Program Six – Life and Liberty at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Program Six - Life & Liberty
March 27 – 28, 2026
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Accompanied by the Sarasota Orchestra

‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café, choreographed by Sir David Bintley, features the eclectic and wildly original music of Simon Jeffes and his Penguin Café Orchestra. Referred to as a “witty and enjoyable, yet bittersweet and poignant look at humankind’s effect on the world,” by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, this reigns true as Bintley draws his audience’s attention to the deliberate pun of “still life,” referencing both the classical painting genre and the hope of “yet living.” To honor the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the second half of Program Six will showcase George Balanchine’s celebratory Stars & Stripes to the iconic music of John Philip Sousa. Choreographed as a tribute to his own deep appreciation for the U.S.A., Balanchine infused classical ballet with American culture and themes to foster a work that transcends his unmistakable musicality and celebrates the greatness of the country that welcomed him.

Repertoire will include:

‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café
Choreography by Sir David Bintley
Music by Simon Jeffes

Stars and Stripes
Choreography by George Balanchine
Music by John Philip Sousa