BWW Preview: THE FIREBIRD AND LA SYLPHIDE at Symphony Hall

Are you wondering what you and your love should to do on Valentines Day? Ballet Arizona is presenting the world premiere of Ib Andersen's THE FIREBIRD to music by Igor Stravinsky at Symphony Hall from February 14 to 17, 2019. The second ballet on the program will be August Bournonville's LA SYLPHIDE as staged by Ib Andersen. The ballet will be performed with the music written for it in 1836 by Norwegian Baron Herman Severin Løvenskiold, who is best remembered for this score. Both ballets will be accompanied live by the Phoenix Symphony.

In THE FIREBIRD, Ballet Arizona's Artistic Director Ib Andersen outlines his artistic vision. The past and the future collide to form the spectacular new production of this magical work. THE FIREBIRD is a reimagined classic Russian fairytale presented with a unique, otherworldly twist that provides the audience with a cinematic experience. Andersen's rendition reimagines the story using a futuristic lens that explores love, fantasy and escapism. THE FIREBIRD unfolds in a setting where the aesthetics of warriors, monsters and aliens combine to create an otherworldly experience.

Along with original choreography by Ib Andersen, THE FIREBIRD features couture costumes by famed New York designer Fabio Toblini. Ballet Arizona's resident lighting designer, Michael Korsch, creates the atmosphere for Andersen's vision, employing light, projections and a 120-foot panoramic screen that engulfs the stage in visual spectacle.

LA SYLPHIDE is one the most iconic of romantic ballets. Created in the early 19th century, its tale of passion and elusive love features an alluring fairy and diabolical witch who wreak havoc on the life of a young Scotsman. He gives up everything for the love of a beautiful, but unfortunately unattainable, woodland sprite.

Come to Symphony Hall on February 14.Let THE FIREBIRD and LA SYLPHIDE be the perfect expression of your affection for your valentine.

Photo by Tim Fuller