Scottish Ballet Plays The Music Center, 10/14-16

Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center begins its 2011-2012 season with the Music Center debut of Scottish Ballet, Scotland's national dance company, at the Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, October 14-16, 2011.

The company will present "Song of the Earth," choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan with music by Gustav Mahler, and a North American première choreographed by Jorma Elo, with music by Mozart and Steve Reich. Scottish Ballet is under the current artistic direction of former Royal Ballet dancer and choreographer Ashley Page, who was in 2006 awarded an OBE in the Queen's birthday honors list for his servIce To dance.

The company, who recently celebrated 40 years of outstanding dance, have gainEd Strong critical applaud for its classical technique performed with contemporary attitude, and its broad repertoire includes both classical and fiercely contemporary works, including seminal pieces from the 20th century modern ballet canon, signature pieces by living choreographers, new commissions from revered contemporary choreographers and full-length story ballets re-imagined with fresh relevance for a contemporary audience, creating a unique artistic identity.

For the Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center engagement, the company will perform a repertory program including Sir Kenneth MacMillan's "Song of the Earth" and a North American premiere by Jorma Elo. Kenneth MacMillan created "Song of the Earth"for Stuttgart Ballet in 1965 at the invitation of Artistic Director John Cranko. Set to Mahler's song cycle "Das Lied von der Erde,"the lyrics to which were freely translated from a collection of eighth century Chinese poems offering bittersweet reflections on human emotion, "Song of the Earth"explores man's struggle to accept mortality, with the Messenger of Death stalking the action throughout, and the hope and renewal that comes with death.

As resident choreographer at Boston Ballet, Finnish-born Jorma Elo has become an increasingly sought-after talent across the US and Europe, and has also created works for companies including San Francisco Ballet, New York City Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theaterand Finnish National Ballet. Scottish Ballet is delighted to be working with Elo on creating an exciting new work, which will be set to the music of Mozart and Steve Reich.

Tickets for Scottish Ballet are available at the Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Box Office, 135 North Grand Avenue. Tickets are also available by calling (213) 972-0711, and online at www.musiccenter.org/events/dance.html. For groups of 10 or more, call (213) 972-8555 or visit MCgroupsales@musiccenter.org.

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