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KANSAS CITY, MO (September 8, 2009) – The 52nd season of Kansas City Ballet launches October 15 through 18, 2009, at the Lyric Theatre with three Kansas City Ballet premieres including Arthur Saint-Léon’s Frescoes, Jessica Lang’s Splendid Isolation III, Lev Ivanov’s Le Corsaire Pas de Deux and the return of the critically acclaimed and hugely popular production of William Whitener’s Carmen. The Kansas City Symphony, conducted by Music Director Ramona Pansegrau, will accompany these ballets. Music from the 2009-2010 season is available at iMix Tunes by following the link on www.kcballet.org.
Frescoes
Frescoes (from The Little Humpbacked Horse) was originally staged for the Imperial Russian Ballet of St. Petersburg in 1864. Choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon and set to the music of Cesare Pugni, this rarely seen excerpt from the full-length ballet is a series of variations for four women based in the pure, classic Russian tradition. Frescoes will be staged by Elena Kunikova, renowned for her years dancing at the Maly Theatre, and as a teacher, writer, stager and coach. Cesare Pugni’s music is known for its charming melodies and light, rhythmic themes. Its appealing mid-19th century form makes it a perfect pretext for dance. Said Kunikova, “Originally staged for the Russian Imperial Ballet in 1864, Frescoes is a fascinating example of choreography where French Romanticism meets Russian Classicism.”
Le Corsaire Pas de Deux
As a Russian companion piece to the opening ballet, Kansas City Ballet presents the Kansas City premiere of Le Corsaire Pas de Deux. Originally based on Lord Byron’s 1814 poem, this excerpt from the full-length ballet was choreographed by Lev Ivanov after Marius Petipa to the music of Riccardo Drigo. Kansas City Ballet Music Director Ramona Pansegrau calls this, “A spectacular piece of Russian technical bravura and fireworks — a favorite of ballet audiences the world over.”
Splendid Isolation III
The Fall Performances continue with the romantic duet Splendid Isolation III, a Kansas City premiere by acclaimed choreographer Jessica Lang, one of the country’s most successful young dance artists. Known internationally for her inventive vision, deep artistry and emotionally spellbinding work, this is the first of two opportunities for Kansas City audiences to experience the award-winning Lang’s work — she also is creating a World Premiere commissioned ballet on the company for the Spring Performances. Splendid Isolation III is performed to the Adagietto from Symphony No. 5 by Gustav Mahler. Dance For You Magazine said Lang, “Impresses by the range of dynamics, the urge of onrushing movement in ever-changing and surprising group formations and has [the audience] spellbound with the sheer beauty of her ambitious form of dance theatre.”
Carmen
Closing the Fall Performances and back by popular demand, Carmen, choreographed by Kansas City Ballet’s Artistic Director William Whitener, features the musical themes of Georges Bizet in an arrangement by Rodion Shchedrin. The ballet tells the tale of a fickle yet fiercely independent gypsy woman, Carmen, in the thick with murderers and thieves. Carmen seduces a highborn soldier, Don José, and becomes the catalyst for his ignoble act of murder. This impressionistic piece, featuring the entire company, traces the tragic storyline and yet probes the stirring emotional subtext.
The artistic team of critically acclaimed set, lighting and costume designers returns and includes scenic artist Jason Pollen, lighting designer Kirk Bookman and Judanna Lynn, noted costume designer and accomplished painter. Composer, arranger and guitarist Beau Bledsoe has contributed musical passages in the Flamenco style and will perform on stage as part of the ballet. Guest artist Danica Sena makes her Kansas City Ballet debut performing the Flamenco choreography originally created by Sara de Luis.
When William Whitener’s Carmen debuted in 2007, former classical music and dance critic Paul Horsley from the The Kansas City Star said, “Carmen is a dense stew of flamenco, ballet, abstract and representative visual art, theater dance and Spanish folk steps.”
Sponsors
The Fall Performances has been generously underwritten in part by Bank of America. Kansas City’s 2009-2010 season is supported in part by the following: the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation, the Missouri Arts Council, the ArtsKC Fund, The Kansas City Star, Midwest Airlines, Hotel Phillips, the Kansas City Ballet Guild, 98.1 KUDL, and KSHB TV Action News.
About Kansas City Ballet
Founded in 1957, Kansas City Ballet is a 25-member professional ballet company under the direction of Artistic Director William Whitener and Executive Director Jeffrey J. Bentley. The company’s mission is to offer our community, region and dance profession, dance experiences of the highest quality. The Kansas City Ballet is home to Kansas City Ballet School for nearly 600 children and adults, offering professional training for the career-minded student as well as for those seeking a healthy lifestyle. Through our professional company, school and community outreach programs such as ROAD, Project X, and Dance INFORMances, we seek to nurture and develop our artists, audiences and students in the creativity, diversity and joy of dance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Season Subscription Information
To make ballet affordable for everyone, the Series Subscription Package includes major savings and benefits for the Fall, Winter, and Spring Repertory Performances including: ticket discounts, savings on single ticket prices, priority seating, free ticket exchanges and the chance to purchase discounted tickets for The Nutcracker before they go on sale to the general public. For ticket information for the 2009-2010 season, please call Kansas City Ballet ticket box office at 816.931.2232 or visit our Web site at www.kcballet.org.
Student Discounts
Students may arrive at the Lyric box office one to two hours prior to Fall, Winter or Spring Repertory Programs, and purchase a select seat for just $12 with a valid I.D.
BARRE: Kansas City Ballet’s Young Friends Group
Kansas City Ballet BARRE is a subscription group for ballet enthusiasts, ages 21-40. They invite you to share a dynamic season with other young professionals from the community who support the arts. The BARRE motto: “Art you can party with,” truly describes what they are all about. Kansas City Ballet BARRE members enjoy a Friday night season ticket that includes happy hours, discounted Nutcracker tickets, backstage tours, meeting the dancers and mingling with other members at special events — all while supporting Kansas City Ballet. For more information, please contact Karen at 816.931.2232 ext.1304, email barre@kcballet.org, or visit the website at www.kcbbarre.org.
Join BARRE on Friday, October 16th at 5:30 p.m. for a pre-show happy hour with drinks and appetizers provided at Hotel Phillips before attending the 7:30 p.m. Fall Performance. Free valet parking at Hotel Phillips. Show and party tickets for non-BARRE members are $35 and free for BARRE members. Reservations are preferred.
Kansas City Ballet
2009 Fall Performances At a Glance
October 15–18, 2009
Lyric Theatre
1029 Central, Kansas City, Missouri
Featuring the Kansas City Symphony
Frescoes (from The Little Humpbacked Horse)
Arthur Saint-Léon
Cesare Pugni
Splendid Isolation III
Jessica Lang
Gustav Mahler
Le Corsaire Pas de Deux
Lev Ivanov
Riccardo Drigo
Carmen
William Whitener
Rodion Shchedrin after Georges Bizet
Thursday, October 15 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 16 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 17 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 18 2:00 p.m.
Footnotes
Artistic Director William Whitener and guest dancers, choreographers, and musicians offer audience members an insider’s view on the story line, choreography, history, costumes, and music prior to each repertory performance. These informal discussions are free for all ticket holders and are held at the theater one hour prior to curtain for Kansas City Ballet repertory shows.
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Please direct all media inquiries to: Ellen McDonald at 816.444.0052.
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