Boston Ballet Announces 2014-15 Season - SWAN LAKE, THE NUTCRACKER and More

Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen today announced the programming for the 2014-2015 season at the Boston Opera House. Boston Ballet's 51st season kicks off with the world premiere of Mikko Nissinen's Swan Lake, featuring glorious new sets and costumes by award winning designer Robert Perdziola. The season continues with the beloved new production of Nissinen's The Nutcracker and Val Caniparoli's romantic drama Lady of the Camellias. The spring season heats up with a burst of contemporary and neo-classical choreography from masters such as William Forsythe, Jerome Robbins, Helen Pickett, and Wayne McGregor, including the Company premieres of George Balanchine's Episodes and Hans van Manen's Black Cake. Adding to the excitement, Boston Ballet will present world premieres by Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo and Principal Dancer Jeffrey Cirio.

"Next season has shaped up to be very exciting," said Nissinen. "The new production of Swan Lake will be deeply rooted in tradition with the clean yet luxurious beauty we have come to expect from Perdziola's designs. After we steal your heart with The Nutcracker and Lady of the Camellias, get ready for a jolt of energy from our three spring repertory programs. I cannot imagine a better way to showcase the strength of our diverse company than with this season's programming. The future of Boston Ballet starts now."

The world premiere of Nissinen's Swan Lake will launch the season in splendor October 30 - November 9. Perdziola and Nissinen join forces again following the 2012 launch of Boston Ballet's new version of The Nutcracker. A wonderful blend of history, classicism and luscious detail this fresh new production of Swan Lake will feature a never before seen haunting prologue. This world famous classic is set to P.I. Tchaikovsky's beloved score, and features Nissinen's choreography based on the original version by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.

The season continues with Boston's favorite holiday tradition The Nutcracker, on stage November 28 - December 31. Boston Ballet then presents Val Caniparoli's Lady of the Camellias from February 26 - March 8. This heartbreaking ballet is based on the 19th Century French novel by Alexandre Dumas that later inspired the opera La Traviata and Hollywood blockbuster Moulin Rouge. The ballet follows the tragic tale of love between a courtesan and impoverished artist set to music by Frédéric Chopin.

The 2015 spring season continues with Perception, a series of thrilling programs designed to awaken the senses. Shades of Sound, on stage from March 19-29, is comprised of three riveting works that feature magnificent musicality and exhilarating choreography. Wayne McGregor's mesmerizing Chroma returns, along with the Company premieres of George Balanchine's Episodes and Hans van Manen's deliciously comicBlack Cake. Edge of Vision, which runs from April 30 - May 10, is a beautiful trio of contemporary dance and includes a world premiere by acclaimed Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo and Helen Pickett's visual feast Eventide recently re-worked for the Vienna State Opera. An exciting third ballet is soon to be announced. The 2014-2015 season culminates with Thrill of Contact on stage from May 14 - May 24. This power packed program of precision and impressive athleticism includes George Balanchine's Theme and Variations, Jerome Robbins' The Concert, William Forsythe's The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, and a world premiere by Principal Dancer Jeffrey Cirio.

All 2014-2015 performances take place at The Boston Opera House:

Swan Lake, October 30 - November 9, 2014, Music by P.I. Tchaikovsky

The Nutcracker, November 28 - December 31, 2014, Music by P.I. Tchaikovsky

Lady of the Camellias, February 26 - March 8, 2015, Music by Frédéric Chopin

Shades of Sound, March 19 - 29, 2015, Music by Joby Talbot, Anton von Webern and P.I. Tchaikovsky

Edge of Vision, April 30 - May 10, 2015Music by Jan Garbarek, Philip Glass, Ravi Shankar, J.S. Bach

Thrill of Contact, May 14 - 24, 2015, Music by P.I. Tchaikovsky, Frédéric Chopin, and Franz Schubert

For more information, visit www.bostonballet.org or call 617-695-6955.

About Boston Ballet

Boston Ballet's internationally acclaimed performances of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballets, combined with a dedication to world class dance education and community outreach programs have made the institution a leader in its field, with a 50 year history of promoting excellence and access to dance. The Company launched its 50th season overseas with six critically acclaimed performances at The London Coliseum. Upon the return to the U.S., Boston Ballet kicked off the season at home with the first-ever Night of Stars on Boston Common - a free performance for the Boston community. The historic evening atrracted over 55,000 audience members to the largest stage ever built on Boston Common. The monumental season will conclude with a national tour to Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center and New York's David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.

Led by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, the Company has grown to become a force in the dance world locally, nationally and internationally. Boston Ballet continues this dynamic momentum into its 50th season while honoring its historic roots, the legacy of founder E. Virginia Williams, artistic advisor George Balanchine, and the leadership of artistic directors Violette Verdy, Bruce Marks and Anna Marie Holmes.

The programming for Boston Ballet's sensational 2013-2014 season defines the Company's distinctive style and rich diversity, showcasing its artistic and technical range; from traditional classics like Ashton's Cinderella, Clerc's La Bayadére, Lander's Études, to Balanchine's dazzling Jewels and Resident Choreographer's C. to C. (Close to Chuck). In addition the Company will introduce new voices in dance to the United States, with works by Alexander Ekman (Cacti), Petr Zuska (D.M.J. 1953-1977), and a world premiere by José Martinez.

Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, has a long-standing dedication to excellence and access. The School reaches more than 10,000 students (toddler to adult) each year through Boston Ballet School classes, the Summer Dance Workshop, Pre-professional Summer Dance Program and the Pre-Professional Training held at three studio locations in Boston, Newton, and Marblehead.

Boston Ballet's nationally-acclaimed education programs include Citydance, Taking Steps, and Adaptive Dance. The programs are offered in partnership with the Boston Public Schools and in communities throughout the city and region.