In 1966, Italian composer Nino Rota wrote the ballet La strada drawing on the subject of Federico Fellini’s film of the same name (for which Rota had also written one of his famous soundtracks). 

The ballet, in one act and twelve scenes, was commissioned by the Teatro alla Scala and choreographed by Mario Pistoni. It tells the desperate and heartrending story of Gelsomina and Zampanò using unmistakable themes from the soundtrack, and supplemented by music that Rota wrote for other films by Fellini. The ballet was enormously successful at its premiere and for numerous revivals over the following decades.

The Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, under the baton of Myron Romanul, and the Ballet de l’Opéra national du Rhin will perform La Strada on 14 January (additional performances on 15, 16, 17 and 18) in Strasbourg. Further performances will follow in Mulhouse (La Filature, 24, 25 and 27 January) and in Colmar (Théâtre municipal, 1 and 3 February). 

Rota, Nino (1911–1979)
La strada
Ballet in 12 scenes – Scenario by Frederico Fellini and Tullio Pinelli
WP: September 2, 1966 – Teatro alla Scala, Milan
Per: Carla Fracci (lead dancer)
3.3.3.tsax.2asax.2 – 4.3.3.1 – timp.perc.jazzperc.xyl.hand bells –
sistrum.cel.org.pf.hp.e-gtr – strgs
On the stage: perc, acc, gtr, db
Band on the stage: 2fl, 3cl, tsax, 2asax, 2flugelhorn,
1double bass flugelhorn, 4tpt, 3tbn, tba, perc
Behind the stage: fl, cl, tpt, jazztpt, tba, perc

Nino Rota: work list