The Joffrey Ballet opens its inaugural season at the Lyric Opera House and marks its return to live performances with Home: a Celebration, a triumphant mixed repertory program that spotlights original works by today’s rising stars Chanel DaSilva, Joffrey Rehearsal Director Nicolas Blanc, and Joffrey Artist Yoshihisa Arai, plus a remount of a beloved ballet classic choreographed by Joffrey co-founder, the late Gerald Arpino. Home: a Celebrationis presented in 10 performances only, October 13–24, at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House.
“On behalf of everyone at the Joffrey, we cannot wait to see audiences at our new home, the Lyric Opera House, for a return to live performances,” said Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet.“Our opening program is a true reflection of the legacy and talent that has been cultivated within Joffrey family, with magnificent works that speak to the complexities of our times. This is a program that was curated specifically with Chicago in mind, a gift for the city that means so much to the Joffrey.”
“A year away from the stage has given all of us a new perspective on the power and necessity of the arts,” added Greg Cameron, President and CEO of the Joffrey. “Our upcoming season is about hope, renewal and joy, and there is no better place to celebrate those themes than amongst a live audience at Lyric Opera House. We are finally ‘home’.”
Birthday Variations, choreographed by Joffrey Co-Founder Gerald Arpino with music by Giuseppe Verdi, was commissioned in 1986, by Becky D’Angelo as a birthday present to her husband Dino, who owned Chicago’s Civic Opera House (now the Lyric Opera House) and loved Verdi’s music. This lively and melodic ballet is considered one of Arpino’s most popular creations.
New York-based artist and Joffrey’s 2020 Winning Works choreographer Chanel DaSilva finds beauty in the complex and multifaceted experience of what it means to be human with her work, Swing Low, an original creation forfive men, set to the avant-garde rhythms of Vermont-based cellist and composer Zoë Keating. Swing Low reflects DaSilva’s deep connection to the transformative power of the arts and the indelible joy of movement. The Joffrey’s world premiere of Swing Low takes place at Ravinia Festival on September 17.
Under the Trees’ Voices is the newest ballet from Joffrey Rehearsal Director Nicolas Blanc and channels the power of community in the age of social distancing. In its world premiere for the stage, four distinct sections set to Symphony No. 2 by Italian composer Ezio Bosso imagine a future of hope and unity. Under the Trees’ Voices had its virtual world premiere this past April 30, as part of Joffrey’s Studio Series.
Joffrey Company Artist Yoshihisa Arai takes audiences on a journey through time and space with Boléro. In its world premiere for the stage, 15 dancers take inspiration from the seminal score of the same name by composer Maurice Ravel; dancers are adorned in costumes designed by Joffrey Company Artist Temur Suluashvili. Boléro had its virtual world premiere this past February 12, as part of Joffrey’s Studio Series.
The Joffrey Ballet has joined a coalition of performing arts venues and producers across the Chicagoland area to announce COVID-19 protection protocol for all forthcoming indoor performances. The protocol, known as “Vax Up, Mask Up, Curtain Up” was developed by the coalition in consultation with public health officials and will be reviewed regularly, with the ability to relax certain provisions if the science dictates. The Joffrey has the following rules in place:all patrons ages 12 and older must show proof of vaccination, all audience members are required to wear a mask while at the theater, and children under the age of 12 will be admitted but are required to wear a mask while at the theater.
Single tickets start at $35 and are available for purchase at The Joffrey Ballet’s official Box Office located in the lobby of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph Street and by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.org.
For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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