Mixed Repertory Production Offers Three Remarkable Works at the Benedum Center
Photo Credit Duane Rieder
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) premiere of The Masters Program: Balanchine and Beyond will open on Friday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Benedum Center. The mixed repertory program comprises three works from internationally acclaimed, award-winning ballet choreographers considered “masters” in ballet.
The performance begins with Jorma Elo‘s 1st Flash, a unique sensory experience for audiences. Dancers appear to move at the speed of light while articulating a collective body in perfect harmony. The energetically-paced piece showcases modern, avant-garde movements set to Jean Sibelius’s Violin Concerto in D minor.
Next, is Polyphonia, widely regarded as choreographer Christopher Wheeldon‘s breakthrough contemporary ballet. Polyphonia features a brilliantly evocative movement vocabulary from dark to romantic to frenzied duets. The ballet, set to eclectic piano music by György Ligeti, highlights the artists’ athleticism and contrasts contemporary and classical ballet elements.
Audiences will delight in ballet legend George Balanchine‘s beloved Theme and Variations. Balanchine wrote that this piece is intended to “evoke that great period in classical dancing when Russian ballet flourished with the aid of Tchaikovsky’s music.” A work robust with gilded grandeur, Theme, and Variations is set to the final movement of Tchaikovsky’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 and culminates in a full-stage, 26-artist polonaise.
“I am delighted to introduce audiences to three beautiful works from esteemed choreographers that showcase the formidable range of PBT artists,” said Adam W. McKinney, artistic director at PBT. “I am also extremely excited to get an opportunity to meet our supporters in person throughout the performance weekend.”
Audience members will have the opportunity to meet McKinney, PBT’s new artistic director, and join artists from PBT online and at the theater for the following pre-and post-show programs. Additional details can be found here.
- Virtual Preview | April 5 | 5:30 p.m. Join choreographer Jorma Elo* on Facebook Live to hear about his high-speed and dynamic 1st Flash.
- Meet & Greet with Adam W. McKinney, PBT’s new Artistic Director | Fri. April 14, Sat., April 15 and Sun., April 16 | During show intermissions and after each performance.
- Director’s Cut | Friday, April 14 | 6:30 p.m. Choreographer Jorma Elo (1st Flash) and répétiteurs Judith Fugate (Theme and Variations) and Michele Gifford (Polyphonia) join Artistic Director Adam W. McKinney to discuss the ballets. No registration necessary.
- Artist Q & A | Saturday, April 15 | after the performance PBT artists take your questions after the show. No registration is necessary.
- Curtain Up! | Sunday, April 16 | 1 p.m. This program begins with the audience watching the last few minutes of company class on stage – an enlightening way to begin your theater experience! We’ll also talk with PBT Artistic Director Adam W. McKinney and guest conductor Ormsby Wilkins. No registration is necessary.
- Audio-described Performance | Sunday, April 16 | 2 p.m.Live narration of the performance for those with blindness or vision impairment or anyone who’d like to listen! No registration is necessary.
Performances are at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh on Friday, April 14, 2023, and Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 2 p.m. Single tickets are available at pbt.org or 412-456-6666.
PBT’s 2022-2023 season finale, The Sleeping Beauty with the PBT Orchestra: May 19-21 at the Benedum Center
Categories: Show Previews
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