News Summary
City Ballet San Diego will end its 32nd season with performances of ‘Carmen’ and ‘Divertimento No. 15’ at the California Center for the Arts on May 3 and 4. Led by artistic director Steven Wistrich, the ballet showcases a blend of classical and contemporary works. ‘Carmen’, inspired by Bizet’s opera, explores themes of love and betrayal, while Balanchine’s ‘Divertimento No. 15’, set to Mozart’s music, highlights the company’s artistic versatility. Free pre-concert lectures will be offered, and proceeds will support the nonprofit ‘En Pointe for Ava’.
Escondido – City Ballet San Diego will conclude its 32nd season with exciting performances of “Carmen” and “Divertimento No. 15” at the California Center for the Arts. The shows are scheduled for May 3 at 8 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are currently available for purchase on the organization’s website.
The acclaimed City Ballet, led by artistic director Steven Wistrich and associate artistic director Ariana Gonzalez, has a reputation for its high-quality performances and polished dance technique. This season-ending showcase highlights the ballet company’s commitment to both classic and contemporary ballet forms.
“Carmen”, choreographed by resident choreographer Elizabeth Wistrich, draws inspiration from Georges Bizet’s renowned opera, originally set in 1820 Spain. The ballet powerfully delves into themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and revenge, making it a compelling narrative dance piece. Audiences can expect to hear live accompaniment by the City Ballet Orchestra, creating an immersive atmosphere for attendees.
The program also features a stunning presentation of George Balanchine’s “Divertimento No. 15.” This ballet is accompanied by the delightful music of Mozart, and the combination of choreography and musical artistry further enhances the caliber of the performance. “Divertimento No. 15” was first presented by the New York City Ballet in May 1956 and is a testament to Balanchine’s enduring influence on the ballet world. The work was last performed by City Ballet of San Diego in May 2007.
The City Ballet has received acknowledgments as a “top-tier dance company” with critics consistently highlighting it as “highly entertaining and professional.” The organization is well-respected for its dedication to showcasing works by Balanchine, with performances made possible through collaboration with the George Balanchine Trust.
Fostering a deeper connection with the audience, free pre-concert lectures will be offered 45 minutes prior to each performance, providing valuable insights and context about the plays. This initiative aims to enhance the overall experience for attendees and cultivate a greater appreciation for the art form.
In addition to this artistic endeavor, the performances will support the nonprofit En Pointe for Ava, which provides financial assistance to families with children who are diagnosed with brain cancer. This aligns with City Ballet’s mission to not only serve as a premier ballet company but also to contribute positively to the community.
As a nonprofit organization, City Ballet San Diego is committed to advancing the art of ballet, ensuring that both classic masterpieces and innovative contemporary works flourish on stage. The company has maintained a diverse performance repertoire, gaining recognition for its captivating programs that resonate with audiences throughout San Diego County.
In its efforts to reach a wider audience, City Ballet intends to expand its presence in both downtown San Diego and North County with upcoming performances, solidifying its role as a cultural stalwart in the region. The combination of classical ballet narratives like “Carmen” and innovative choreographies such as “Divertimento No. 15” reflects the organization’s commitment to offering a well-rounded ballet experience that appeals to diverse audiences.
With performances right around the corner, dance enthusiasts and those new to ballet alike have an opportunity to experience the talents of City Ballet San Diego as they close out an impressive season filled with artistry and passion.
For ticketing information and to learn more about the performances, interested individuals can visit www.cityballet.org.
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- Google Search: City Ballet performance
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: ballet
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- Google Search: George Balanchine
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- Wikipedia: Dance
