Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra to accompany Orlando Ballet for a very masterful event
Balanchine, Tharp, Robbins, Tchaikovsky, and Bernstein – these names define mastery and the creative genius to be featured in Orlando Ballet’s new and aptly titled, “Masterworks” performance scheduled March 24, 25 and 26. This performance is designed to highlight the brilliance of some of the world’s most renowned choreographers and composers.
Masterworks will showcase the pairing of Orlando Ballet with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performing classics including George Balanchine’s groundbreaking “Serenade,” with 28 beautiful ballerinas filling the stage and moving to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking “Serenade for Strings.” Also included is Jerome Robbins’ “Fancy Free,” which was the inspiration for the classic 1959 musical “On The Town” where three sailors spend 24, fast-paced hours in New York City. Fancy Free was the first ballet that the young Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein made together. The pair went onto create legendary West Side Story.
Jerome Robbins’ charming “Fancy Free,” is the inspiration for the 1959 film “On The Town” where three sailors spend 24, fast-paced hours in New York City. Orlando Ballet’s fanciful ensemble of dancers pays homage to the original as well as its composer Leonard Bernstein. Masterworks also includes dance legend Twyla Tharp’s iconic “Sinatra Suite,” which she created for ballet great, Mikhail Barishynikov, and which is choreographed to the magic of Frank Sinatra’s biggest hits. The orchestra will be led by guest conductor David Commanday.
Performances are scheduled in the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, and 2 p.m., Sunday, March 26. Tickets start at $35 and are available at DrPhillipscenter.org or call 844-513-2014.
“This unique program defines the meaning of masters in the performing arts,” said Orlando Ballet Artistic Director Robert Hill. “An experienced ballet conductor leading a live orchestra creates a much richer experience for the audience as well as for the dancers. The choreographers and composers are very well known so there’s broad appeal for this concept.”
Masterworks is result of Orlando Ballet creating last year its Maestro’s Fund to support collaboration with area music groups including the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Central Florida Community Arts orchestra, and Bach Festival for live musical accompaniment to ballet performances.
“This artistic collaboration between the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Ballet brings together the finest professional dancers and musicians in the community,” said Christopher Barton, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Executive Director. “We look forward to working with Orlando Ballet to create a remarkable performance for our Central Florida audiences.”
Tickets are available online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling 844.513.2014, or in person at the Box Office, located at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL). The Box Office is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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About Orlando Ballet Established in 1974, Orlando Ballet is the professional resident ballet company in the greater Orlando area. The Orlando-based organization employs a full-time company of national and international dancers from Brazil, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, as well as the United States, performing both full-length classical ballets and contemporary repertoire programs. Via its mission, “Orlando Ballet seeks to entertain, educate, and enrich the cultural growth of Florida through the highest quality of dance.” The Orlando Ballet is under the artistic direction of Robert Hill, who is marking his eighth anniversary with the company. Hill has had a celebrated career as a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre (ABT), as well as Artistic Director at Ballet de Monterrey and has guest performed internationally and created a great arsenal of signature choreographic works. In addition to the ballet company, the Orlando Ballet School is regarded as one of the finest training academies in the world and is the official school of the Orlando Ballet. The school has been named “Outstanding School” at the New York finals of Youth America Grand Prix three times. With three locations in Central Florida, Orlando Ballet School adheres to the American Ballet Theatre® National Training curriculum and our American Ballet Theatre® certified teachers provide disciplined training for dancers of all ages. For more information on Orlando Ballet visit www.orlandoballet.org
About the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Now in its 24th season, The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is Central Florida’s professional orchestra, comprised of accomplished musicians recruited from around the world. Presenting over 125 events each year, the orchestra provides captivating musical experiences and education programs to people of all ages, and is committed to building a rich, sustainable future for symphonic music in Central Florida. Learn more at www.orlandophil.org