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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2016 CONTACT: Jo Anne Emery, Phone: (619) 846-8774 [email protected] Electronic photos available CITY BALLET of San Diego presents “Balanchine Masterworks 2016” at Spreckels Theatre, March 4-6, 2016 with The City Ballet Orchestra Program: Concerto Barocco, Emeralds from Jewels and Square Dance SAN DIEGO — City Ballet of San Diego, under the direction of Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich, continues its role as the major presenter in Southern California of works by one of the greatest choreographers in dance history, the legendary George Balanchine, with “Balanchine Masterworks 2016” March 4-6, 2016 at Spreckels Theatre. These historic ballets by George Balanchine will be performed to live music performed by The City Ballet Orchestra with John Nettles conducting: “Concerto Barocco” (choreographed in 1941) with music by Johann Sebastian Bach, “Emeralds” from “Jewels” (choreographed in 1967) with music by Gabriel Faure, and “Square Dance” (choreographed in 1957) with music by Antonio Vivaldi and Arcangelo Corelli. The critically acclaimed City Ballet of San Diego, under the direction of Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich, both former Boston Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet dancers, is known for its commitment to presenting ballets by the legendary George Balanchine. As a company, City Ballet has a strong connection with George Balanchine. Artistic (more) Director Steven Wistrich was coached by “Mr. B” in the 1970s, and the company is one of a few around the country given permission by The George Balanchine Trust to present the master’s works. Former New York City Ballet dancers Elyse Borne and Nilas Martins (son of New York City Ballet Artistic Director Peter Martins) came to San Diego to stage these ballets for the City Ballet company members to ensure the works are performed the way Mr. B choreographed them. “It is such an honor that the prestigious George Balanchine Trust in New York continues to grant City Ballet permission to perform these wonderful ballets by this great artist. By presenting Balanchine ballets, the legacy of Mr. B continues here in San Diego,” states Artistic Director Steven Wistrich. THE PROGRAM Approximate Run Time: 2 hours, with two 15-minute intermissions Concerto Barocco Music: Johann Sebastian Bach, Choreography: George Balanchine, Staging by Nilas Martins First presented by the American Ballet, May 1940, at the Theatre of Hunter College, New York Last performed by City Ballet of San Diego in 2005. “Concerto Barocco” was choreographed in 1940 and has no “subject matter” beyond the score – Bach’s Concerto in D minor for Two Violins. Balanchine was inspired by the music to interest the audience only by the dancing and his treatment of the music with movement. Emeralds from Jewels Music: Gabriel Faure, Choreographer: George Balanchine, Staging by Elyse Borne Costumes: Karinska, courtesy of Pittsburg Ballet Theatre First presented by New York City Ballet, April 1967 at the New York State Theatre. Last performed by City Ballet of San Diego in 2012. “Emeralds” is one section from the unique ballet titled “Jewels”: a full-length, three-act plotless ballet that uses the music of three very different composers. Balanchine was inspired by the artistry of jewelry designer Claude Arpels, and chose music revealing the essence of each jewel. He explained: “I have always liked jewels. I like the color of gems, the beauty of stones, and it was wonderful to see how our costume workshop, under Karinska’s direction, came so close to the quality of real stones (which were of course too heavy for the dancers to wear!).” Each section of the ballet is distinct in both music and mood. “Emeralds” was considered an evocation of France – the France of elegance, comfort, dress, perfume. Square Dance Music: Antonio Vivaldi and Arcangelo Corelli, Choreography: George Balanchine, Staging by Elyse Borne First presented by New York City Ballet, May 1957 at the City Center, New York City Ballet of San Diego premiere “Square Dance” was choreographed in 1957 and showed George Balanchine’s love for America by joining the traditions of American folk dance with classical ballet. He stated, “The American style of classical dancing with its superb preparation for risks, and its high spirits were some of the things I was trying to show in this ballet.” Programming, musical selections, and artists are subject to change without notice. (more) PERFORMANCES Friday, March 4 at 8:00pm Saturday, March 6 at 8:00pm Sunday, March 7 at 2:00pm VENUE Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, Downtown San Diego TICKETS Tickets are $29-$79. Students, Seniors and Military can purchase discounted tickets of $5 off regular price. PRE-CONCERT LECTURES Prior to each performance is a free pre-concert lecture for ticket holders with Artistic Director Steven Wistrich. Tickets and information: (858) 272-8663 www.cityballet.org ABOUT CITY BALLET Heralded as “a top-tier dance company” and “an oasis of classical dance in a city otherwise too often a desert”, City Ballet is San Diego’s world-class professional ballet company, now celebrating its 23rd season under the direction of former Boston Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet dancers, Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich. City Ballet is a non-profit organization committed to furthering the ballet art form. The company produces classic and contemporary ballet programs that critics rave as “polished, eye-catching and delightful,” and “highly entertaining and professional”. International dance critic Sheila Orysiek wrote, “San Diego finally has a classical ballet company that is worthy of the name”. The company is best known for performing works by George Balanchine, founding artistic director of New York City Ballet. City Ballet is one of a few ballet companies to receive permission from The George Balanchine Trust in New York City to perform his ballets. The George Balanchine Trust grants such permission only to those ballet companies it judges artistically competent to perform Balanchine’s masterworks. Unsurpassed training programs for children and pre-professionals are offered at City Ballet School, the official school of the City Ballet Company, whose alumnae dance with companies including American Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater and The Joffrey Ballet. City Ballet’s innovative education programs range from arts outreach to inner-city children, to bringing the world’s best ballet instructors to San Diego. City Ballet is partially funded by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, the California Arts Council, the County of San Diego, Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust, Qualcomm, US Bank, Procopio Cory Hargreaves and Savitch and generous donors. ####