The Majestic Theatre (224 E. Houston St. ) will present the score to the famous ballet “Swan Lake” on April 11-12 at 8:00 p.m. The San Antonio Symphony will perform French Composers Gabriel Fauré’s “Pavane” and Francis Poulenc’s “Gloria” in addition to selections from “Swan Lake.” International Conductor Bramwell Tovey will direct the hauntingly romantic piece created by Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875.

In addition to “Swan Lake,” Tchaikovsky was known for other ballets such as “The Nutcracker” and “The Sleeping Beauty.”

Inspired by various Russian folktales, “Swan Lake” follows the story of Odette, a princess cursed by an evil sorcerer to live her life as a swan during the day. The only way to break the curse is with true, faithful love, which Odette finds in Prince Siegfried. However, the evil sorcerer tricks Prince Siegfried into confessing his love for Odette to her twin, Odile, and Odette’s salvation is ruined. The evil sorcerer is defeated after Odette and Prince Siegfried drown themselves, which breaks the curse.

Initially, audiences described the score as too “symphonic.” After Tchaikovsky’s death the ballet was revived with changes in the score made by Composer Riccardo Drigo. Today, ballet companies often use Drigo’s version of “Swan Lake” instead of Tchaikovsky’s original.

“Swan Lake” was introduced to the U.S. in 1940 by the San Francisco Ballet. Since then, versions of the ballet have changed from all male ensembles to film adaptations such as “Black Swan,” which follows the ballet loosely.

The San Antonio Symphony’s ticket prices range from $22.95-$84.40. For more information, call (210) 223-8624.