Tulsa Ballet and Tulsa Opera Announce Seasons
Tulsa Ballet Artistic Director Marcello Angelini recently announced the 2014-15 season—Angelini’s 20th consecutive year with Tulsa Ballet.
“My goal (this season) is to strike the right balance between new works and existing masterpieces, familiar choreographers and the introduction of new masters of choreography and content versus entertainment value,” says Angelini.
2014-15 SEASON SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS:
PROGRAM 1: Creations in Studio K
Sept. 26-28, Tulsa Ballet Studio K Theater
Choreography by Adam Hougland, Luciano Cannito and Ashley Page.
Expect to be moved when three exciting works are showcased created just for Tulsa Ballet by acclaimed choreographers from around the world. This season’s Creations in Studio K features fresh choreography by Adam Hougland, Luciano Cannito and Ashley Page, all of which have a personal connection to Angelini.
PROGRAM 2: Carmina Burana
Oct. 31-Nov. 2, Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Choreography by Ma Cong, Music by Carl Orff
Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Oratorio Chorus and Tulsa Symphony Orchestra come together to bring Ma Cong’s vision of Carl Orff’s powerful music to life.
The return of this collaborative production has been anticipated since it was last enjoyed locally in 2010.
“Carmina Burana” is based on 800-year-old poetry written by the monks of a thirteenth-century Benedictine monastery and set to the musical score by composer Carl Orff.
PROGRAM 3: The Nutcracker
December 12-21, Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Choreography by Marcello Angelini, Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
A young girl’s fantasy unfolds in this remarkable production that mixes the visuals of a Broadway show with the heartwarming story of a fairytale Christmas.
PROGRAM 4: The Sleeping Beauty
February 20-22, Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Choreography by Marcello Angelini after Marius Petipa, Music by Peter Tchaikovsky
Tulsa Ballet brings one of the world’s most beloved romantic fairy tales to life with its blockbuster production of “The Sleeping Beauty.” This timeless classic about a princess, a spell and a kiss transforms the professional dancers of Tulsa Ballet into a vibrant cast of characters that includes magical fairies, an evil queen, delightful animals, a beautiful princess and, of course, a handsome prince who ultimately proves that true love conquers all.
This lavish production will feature scenery and costumes suitable for royalty. Originally created for Houston Ballet by Tony Award winning designer Desmond Heeley, this production overflows with stunning visuals that have been described as “eye-popping” by Dance Magazine.
PROGRAM 5: The Three Musketeers
March 27-29, Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Choreography by Andre Prokovsky, Music by Giuseppe Verdi Based on the 1844 novel by Alexandre Dumas, the adventures of the “Three Musketeers” come to life in a full-length ballet described by the New York Times as “a rollicking fast-paced production.”
PROGRAM 6: XX (TWENTY) – 3 World Premieres
May 8-10, 15-17, Lorton Performance Center at The University of Tulsa
The final production of the season, titled XX (Twenty), will celebrate Angelini’s 20-year tenure with Tulsa Ballet. The program will open with Val Caniparoli’s “Going for Baroque,” which was the first of more than 30 works Angelini commissioned for the company. “Going for Baroque” was also featured in the opening program of Tulsa Ballet’s first international tour to Sintra, Portugal, and earned the company the headline” “one of the best in the world” by the weekly publication El Semanario.
Following “Going for Baroque,” the program will feature a World Premiere by Ma Cong.
The program will close with “Age of Innocence” by Edwaard Liang, a ballet that Angelini describes as “love at first sight.”
Tulsa Ballet II, the second company of Tulsa Ballet, will have its own season of two productions: “On Your Radar,” Sept. 5 and 7, and “Emerging Choreographers Showcase,” April 17 and 19, held in Studio K.
Tulsa Opera has announced its 67th season, featuring three masterworks inspired by pieces of literature that have permeated American culture:
Gioachino Rossini’s “Cinderella” (La Cenerentola) will take place Oct. 24 and Oct. 26. Packed with stunning vocal fireworks and fabulous ensemble work, Rossini’s romantic comedy marks the return of Tulsa-native Lauren McNeese in the title role.
On Feb. 13, 15, Tulsa Opera will present “Romeo and Juliet.” This will mark the return of Tulsa’s favorite soprano, Metropolitan Opera star Sarah Coburn, in the role of Juliet, and internationally renowned tenor Chad Shelton makes his debut as Romeo.
The 67th anniversary season concludes with “Of Mice and Men.” Carlisle Floyd is one of the nation’s most revered opera composers, known for his early masterwork “Susannah” and, more recently, “Cold Sassy Tree.”
Updated 03-25-2014
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