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George Balanchine's The Nutcracker Wrap-Up
Our Nutcracker season this year was highlighted by
a triumphant tour to Washington, D.C. We were honored to be the first company
to present George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at
The Kennedy Center and to be among the few illustrious companies to perform
in its ballet series, along with American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet,
the Bolshoi and the Mariinsky (formerly the Kirov) Ballet.
While we traveled with our own Marie, Fritz and Nutcracker
Prince, local children filled the rest of the roles, and a local children's
choir sang in the snow scene. The orchestra of The Kennedy Center sounded
magnificent under the brilliant baton of Beatrice Affron. The audience's
reception was particularly warm. Best of all, the house was packed!
Audiences in Philadelphia were equally enthusiastic
and we received great press! PNC Arts Alive was the presenting sponsor of George
Balanchine's The Nutcracker once again this year.
Principal Dancers Zachary Hench and Julie Diana in George
Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Photo: Alexander Iziliaev.
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Nutcracker Magic
Nutcracker Magic, our annual children's fundraiser,
was particularly charming this year as we celebrated in the newly renovated
Academy of Music Ballroom. Entertainers included organ grinder Joe Bush and
his incredible monkey George, Melisandte the Make-A-Wish Fairy, the Agnes
Irwin School's Bel Cantos and of course the Sugarplum Fairy and Mouse King!
After a delicious buffet supper, guests were treated to a private performance
of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker.
Chaired by Alicia Bonner, Debbie Lee, Jackie Simms
and Suzanne Zelov, the event raised nearly $40,000 for the Ballet's outreach
and education program, Accent on Dance.
Company Member Tyler Galster. Photo: Alexander Iziliaev.
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Coming Up at the Theater
In March, Matthew Neeenan's acclaimed Carmina
Burana, sung by The Philadelphia Singers Chorale, will return
to the Academy of Music. Balanchine's classic The
Four Temperaments set to Hindemith's haunting score, will complete
the bill. Both powerful works are sure to bring the audiences to their feet.
In addition, an all-Chopin program will honor the
composer's 200th birthday. Jerome Robbins's hilarious The
Concert will be performed along with Matthew Neenan's The Crossed Line and Robbins's In the Night, last performed in 2008 at
The Kennedy Center.
In May, we are presenting what may be the most eclectic
program of the season. George Balanchine's Square
Dance returns to the repertoire after 18 years. Long-time subscribers
will remember this brilliant work, set to the exquisite music of Vivaldi
and Corelli. And back by popular demand is Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's Requiem
for a Rose, which premiered last season. The program concludes
with two Company premieres, Jerome Robbins's Afternoon
of a Faun and William Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated.
The season concludes with our lavish production of
John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet. The powerful Prokofiev
score, dramatic choreography and heartbreaking story make this an evening
not to be missed.
Company Members Megan Dickinson and Ian Hussey in Matthew
Neenan's Carmina Burana. Photo:
Alexander Izilaev.
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Is this your year to become a Cornerstone?
Do you want to develop a deeper relationship with
the Company? Visit our East Falls studios to watch rehearsal? Become a Cornerstone
Society member and you can! Some of the other great benefits of membership
include refreshments during intermission in the Academy of Music Ormandy
Room and special events with dancers.
For only $125 a month, or $1,500 annually, you will
be entitled to these and other wonderful benefits throughout the year. Giving
on a monthly basis may allow you to afford a larger gift than you might otherwise
have thought possible.
For more information about joining the Cornerstone
Society, please contact Hilary Alger, Director of Development, at 215.587.6912
or halger@paballet.org.
Principal Dancer Julie Diana. Photo: Alexander Iziliaev.
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Upcoming Events
Dress Rehearsal Luncheon
Thursday, March 4 at 11:15 a.m.
Join us at the Union League for our annual women's
luncheon before heading to the Academy of Music for the 1 p.m. dress rehearsal
of Carmina Burana/The Four Temperaments. School children
from schools all over the area also will attend the dress rehearsal, free
of charge, through our Accent on Dance outreach
and education program. Tickets start at $100 per person.
Romeo and Juliet Auction
Wednesday, June 9 at 6 p.m.
Win a walk-on part in George Balanchine's
The Nutcracker! Cocktails and a silent auction in the newly renovated
Academy of Music ballroom followed by dinner and a live auction on the stage.
Tickets start at $175 per person.
To receive an invitation, purchase a ticket, or make
a donation to the above events, please contact Barbara Vogdes at bvogdes@paballet.org or
215.587.6916.
SAVE THE DATES!
·
Opening Night Gala: Wednesday, October 20, 2010
·
Nutcracker Magic: Saturday, December 4, 2010
·
Spring Auction: Friday, June 3, 2011
Company Member Jermel Johnson in Matthew Neenan's Carmina Burana. Photo: Paul Kolnik.
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The Perfect Corporate Event!
A Corporate Evening at a performance of Romeo
and Juliet provides the finest opportunity for a corporation to
develop new clients, nurture existing relationships, or reward outstanding
employees while placing its brand before Pennsylvania Ballet's diverse audience.
A Corporate Evening offers:
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Pre-performance champagne toast with your guests
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20 Parquet/Orchestra tickets
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Exclusive backstage tour
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Corporate logo and acknowledgment in Playbill
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Corporate logo on prominent signage in theater lobby
At a cost of $3,500, a Corporate Evening yields not
only the tangible benefits of public recognition, VIP tickets and exciting
entertainment opportunities, but it also offers the intangible benefits of
unique networking opportunities and of associating your corporation with
one of Philadelphia's premier performing arts institutions.
To arrange a Corporate Evening at a performance of Romeo and Juliet, please contact Paul
Plesh, Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations, at pplesh@paballet.org or
215.587.6914
Principal Dancers Arantxa Ochoa and Sergio Torrado.
Photo: Alexander Iziliaev.
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Thank you for your support!
For questions or concerns, please contact Christina
Freeman, Annual Fund Manager, at cfreeman@paballet.org or
215.587.6913.
Header photos: Principal Dancer Arantxa Ochoa, Soloist
Brooke Moore, Company Member Ian Hussey. Photos: Alexander Iziliaev.
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