Miami City Ballet Welcomes GRAFF Luxury Jewelers, as JEWELS Sponsor

A glittering 50th Anniversary celebration of George Balanchine's Jewels will open Miami City Ballet's 2017-18 season on October 20, 2017, sponsored by luxury jewelers Graff. The opening will mark the first time the company has performed Balanchine's full-evening masterpiece in a decade. Jewels will be performed to live music by MCB's Opus One Orchestra, conducted by Gary Sheldon, and will be performed in the company's Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach homes.

"Balanchine's Jewels was inspired by precious gems - emeralds, rubies, and diamonds," said Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez. "Graff is known internationally for its fabulous jewels, so it is a perfect match! We are thrilled to welcome them as our Opening Night Sponsor."

"Graff is honored to support Miami City Ballet, a preeminent American ballet company. Like George Balanchine, Graff creations are continually inspired by the finest gems in the world. As Opening Night Sponsor of the 50th Anniversary of Jewels, Graff celebrates the traditions of expertise and artistry key to the legacy of fine jewelry and ballet alike," said Francois Graff, CEO of Graff.

ABOUT GRAFF

Graff, founded in 1960, is synonymous with the most fabulous jewels in the world. Graff is a vertically integrated company involved in every stage of the jewelry making process - from the sourcing of each rough stone, through to the cutting, polishing and final setting of each exquisite jewels, all Graff jewels are made by hand in the Graff London workshop. With over 55 boutiques worldwide and corporate offices in London, New York, the Far East, Geneva and Paris, Graff has grown from its foundation in the UK to a far reaching global presence.

Throughout its rich history, Graff is said to have handled more diamonds of rarity, magnitude and distinction than any other jeweler. Perhaps most notably the House has dominated the list of historical and important rough diamonds cut and polished this century and remains the leader in the production and retail of exceptional diamonds and precious gemstones. Today, after more than five decades at the pinnacle of the luxury jewelry industry, Graff continues to push the boundaries of ever- greater innovation and excellence. Graff Diamonds

Jewels is made up three parts, each showcasing different music and international styles of ballet: "Emeralds," with music by Gabriel Fauré, evokes the dreamy romanticism of French ballet and is Balanchine at his most romantic and lyrical; "Rubies," set to music by Igor Stravinsky, conjures the vibrancy, wit and exuberance of the American Jazz Age; and "Diamonds," with music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, reflects the classic grandeur of 19th-century Russian ballet at its imperial height.

ABOUT MIAMI CITY BALLET:

Miami City Ballet, now in its 32nd season, has been led by Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez since 2012. Lopez was recently named one of "The Most Influential People in Dance Today" by Dance Magazine. MCB was founded in 1985 by Miami philanthropist Toby Lerner Ansin and Founding Artistic Director Edward Villella. The Company has 51 dancers and a repertoire of more than 100 ballets. MCB performs for nearly 100,000 patrons annually during its South Florida home season in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Naples, and tours to top theaters domestically and internationally.

Miami City Ballet School, the official school of Miami City Ballet, is one of the most respected ballet training academies in America. The School's renowned faculty, challenging syllabus and affiliation with Miami City Ballet make it a place where all students - from children to adults - can receive comprehensive dance training. The School trains approximately 400 students, ages 3-18, in its year- round program, and 400 during its summer programs, granting nearly $500,000 in scholarships annually. More than 500 adults participate in a vibrant community division.

Miami City Ballet is headquartered in Miami Beach, Fla., at the Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Center, a facility designed by renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica.

Jewels tickets start at $25 and are available at the box office, by calling 305.929.7010 or 877.929.7010 (Monday - Friday, 10 am - 5 pm) or online at miamicityballet.org.

FUNDING

Major funding for Miami City Ballet is provided by the Ford Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Louis B. Mayer Foundation and The Shubert Foundation.

Miami City Ballet is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Miami-Dade County support is provided by Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners with additional support provided by the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs program, and the Cultural Arts Council. Palm Beach County support is provided in part by the Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. Broward County funding is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Miami City Ballet is a registered trademark of Miami City Ballet, Inc.