Kennedy Center Presents New York City Ballet In Two Programs Of Repertory

New York City Ballet (NYCB) returns to the Kennedy Center with two vibrant repertory programs for its annual appearance, March 27-April 1. Along with classic George Balanchine works, the engagement includes an all-Robbins program to celebrate the centennial of Jerome Robbins, one of the most influential dance-makers in NYCB's history as well as a nod to the worldwide Leonard Bernstein at 100 celebration of the legendary composer. All performances will be accompanied by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.

Balanchine, Martins & Peck

The company's opening night program includes three classic Balanchine works from the legendary choreographer: Divertimento No. 15, a work for 16 dancers to Mozart's score of the same name, which Balanchine considered to be the finest score ever written; Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux, an eight-minute display of ballet bravura and technique to music that the composer belatedly created for Act III of Swan Lake; and Symphony in Three Movements, one of Balanchine's most celebrated leotard ballets with angular, athletic choreography for soloists and a large ensemble. NYCB Resident Choreographer and Soloist Justin Peck's Pulcinella Variations will receive its D.C. premiere featuring colorful costumes by fashion designer Tsumori Chisato, which includes commedia dell'arte effects. Set to a rich and complex Stravinsky score, the choreography showcases more of a classical virtuoso work from the choreographer. In addition, Peter Martins's Zakouski features two dancers in "hors d'oeuvres" for violin and piano.

Robbins Centennial Program: Bernstein, Glass & Verdi

World-renowned for his work as a choreographer of ballets as well as his work as a director and choreographer in theater, movies, and television, Jerome Robbins had a profound and revolutionary influence on movement and the stage. As co-founding choreographer of NYCB, his works have made a lasting impact on the company's repertory. A special all-Robbins program celebrates the centennial of the prolific artist, with three prominent works. In a nod to the worldwide centennial celebration of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, a highlight of the program includes Fancy Free, one of Robbins's first ballets and collaborations with Bernstein, which famously led to the Broadway musical On the Town. Glass Pieces, infused with postmodern dance elements and a distinct urban energy, is set to music by Philip Glass and The Four Seasons translates Verdi's vibrant melodies into a quartet of frolicsome divertissements.

About New York City Ballet

New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with a roster of more than 90 dancers and an unparalleled repertory of modern masterpieces. The Company was founded in 1948 by the legendary choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein, and quickly became world-renowned for its athletic, contemporary style and a repertory of original ballets that has forever changed the face of classical dance. NYCB is committed to promoting creative excellence and nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers.

Tickets start at $29. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center Box Office, online, or by calling Instant-Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND PRINCIPAL CASTING (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

New York City Ballet
with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra

WORKS BY BALANCHINE, MARTINS & PECK

Divertimento No. 15 (Mozart/Balanchine)
Zakouski (Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky/Martins)
Pulcinella Variations (Stravinsky/Peck) (Kennedy Center Premiere)
Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux (Tchaikovsky/Balanchine)
Symphony in Three Movements (Stravinsky/Balanchine)

Tuesday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.

ROBBINS CENTENNIAL PROGRAM: BERNSTEIN, GLASS & VERDI

Glass Pieces (Glass/Robbins)
Fancy Free (Bernstein/Robbins)
The Four Seasons (Verdi/Robbins)
Part of Leonard Bernstein at 100

Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 31 at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30p.m.

Sunday, April 1 at 1:30 p.m.

PRINCIPAL CASTING (subject to change)
* = first time in the role

Tue., Mar. 27 evening
Divertimento No. 15: King, Pereira, Laracey, A. Stafford, Bouder, Finlay, Applebaum,

Scordato
Zakouski: M. Fairchild, De Luz
Pulcinella Variations: *Kretzschmar, Mearns, T. Peck, Gerrity, Woodward, J. Angle, Scordato, *Gordon, Huxley
Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux: T. Peck, *T. Angle
Symphony in Three Movements: Hyltin, Pereira, LeCrone, Danchig-Waring, Ulbricht,

Suozz

Wed., Mar. 28 evening
Divertimento No. 15: King, Hyltin, Phelan, Isaacs, M. Fairchild, *Janzen, Dieck, Gordon
Zakouski: *Woodward, *Mejia
Pulcinella Variations: Hyltin, Miller, Isaacs, *Hod, Wellington, Janzen, *Danchig-Waring,

Coll, Suozzi
Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux: Bouder, Finlay
Symphony in Three Movements: T. Peck, King, Lowery, Stanley, Schumacher, Scordato

Thu., Mar. 29 evening
Divertimento No. 15: King, Pereira, Laracey, A. Stafford, Bouder, Finlay, Applebaum,

Scordato
Zakouski: M. Fairchild, De Luz
Pulcinella Variations: Kretzschmar, Mearns, T. Peck, Gerrity, Woodward, J. Angle, Scordato,

Gordon, Huxley
Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux: *Reichlen, *Catazaro
Symphony in Three Movements: Hyltin, Pereira, LeCrone, Danchig-Waring, Ulbricht, Suozzi

Fri., Mar. 30 evening
Glass Pieces: Phelan, Applebaum, *Adams, Walker, Wellington, Dieck, Kowroski, Janzen
Fancy Free: Ulbricht, Gordon, Suozzi, *Sell, Hyltin, *Miller, Villalobos
The Four Seasons: JANUS: Farley, WINTER: Dieck, Woodward, Coll, Alberda;
SPRING: LaFreniere, Mearns, T. Angle; SUMMER: Frances, Laracey, Danchig-Waring;
FALL: Chamblee, Bouder, De Luz, Mejia

Sat., Mar. 31 matinee
Glass Pieces: Hod, Gordon, Mann, Scordato, Habony, Chamblee, *Reichlen,

Danchig- Waring
Fancy Free: *Mejia, *Coll, *Villarini-Velez, *Woodward, *King, Miller, Villalobos
The Four Seasons: JANUS: Farley, WINTER: Dieck, Pereira, Ippolito, Gordon;
SPRING: LaFreniere, *Lovette, *Huxley; SUMMER: Frances, *Gerrity, Stanley;
FALL: Chamblee, T. Peck, Catazaro, Ulbricht

Sat., Mar. 31 evening
Glass Pieces: Hod, Gordon, Mann, Scordato, Habony, Chamblee, Reichlen,

Danchig-Waring
Fancy Free: Mejia, Coll, Villarini-Velez, Woodward, King, Miller, Villalobos
The Four Seasons: JANUS: Farley, WINTER: Dieck, Pereira, Ippolito, Gordon;
SPRING: LaFreniere, Lovette, Huxley; SUMMER: Frances, Gerrity, Stanley;
FALL: Chamblee, T. Peck, Catazaro, Ulbricht

Sun., Apr. 1 matinee
Glass Pieces: Phelan, Applebaum, Adams, Walker, Wellington, Dieck, Kowroski, Janzen
Fancy Free: Ulbricht, Gordon, Suozzi, Sell, Hyltin, Miller, Villalobos
The Four Seasons: JANUS: Farley, WINTER: Dieck, Woodward, Coll, Alberda;
SPRING: LaFreniere, Mearns, T. Angle; SUMMER: Frances, Laracey, Danchig-Waring;
FALL: Chamblee, Bouder, De Luz, Mejia

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