Orlando Ballet’s New Masterworks Celebrates the Joy and Romance of Dance and Music Created by the Very Best
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.
