NYC Ballet opens its Winter 2019 season with a “Stravinsky & Balanchine,” program of “Apollo,” “Orpheus” and “Agon” at Lincoln Center between Tuesday, January 22 and Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Apollo
Apollo is the Greek god of music. Stravinsky wrote the score between 1927 and 1928. Balanchine choreographed it for Ballets Russes of Paris as Apollon Musegete in 1928.
This was Balanchine’s first collaboration with Stravinsky. It is the work that brought Balanchine international recognition. NYC Ballet first performed Apollo in 1951.
It was the first neoclassical ballet. Neoclassical ballet doesn’t have story. It is pure dance. Being the first piece in the form, Apollo still has a story, although Balanchine adapted it over the years as his style evolved.
After Apollo is born, he is visited by three Muses, or inspirational goddesses. They are Terpsichore, the muse of dance and song; Polyhymnia, the muse of mime; and Calliope, the muse of poetry. He teaches them their art and then leads the group back home up Mount Parnassus.
Apollo and the three muses strike one of the most memorable poses in the history of ballet.
Orpheus
Orpheus was a mythical Greek musician, poet and prophet. Apollo taught him to play the lyre. Orpheus became the best lyre player ever.
Balanchine choreographed Orpheus in 1947. Ballet Society, the predecessor of New York City Ballet, premiered it in New York in 1948.
Agon
Agon was choreographed in 1957. Maria Kowroski has an interesting perspective on the pas de deux.
Stravinsky & Balanchine Performances
Principal dancer Gonzalo Garcia is from Zarazoga, Spain.
January 22, Tuesday at 7:30pm. Garcia dances in Orpheus.
January 24, Thursday at 7:30pm. Garcia dances in Orpheus.
January 26, Saturday at 8pm. Garcia makes his NYCB debut as Apollo.
February 1, Friday at 8pm. Garcia dances in Orpheus.
February 2, Saturday at 2pm. Garcia makes his NYCB debut as Apollo.
Stravinsky & Balanchine Tickets
Stravinsky & Balanchine tickets are available at the David H. Koch Theater Box Office, by phone or online. From $35
Get tickets at www.nycballet.com
David H. Koch Theater
20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
(at 63rd St)
Lincoln Center
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