Program Seven – Foundations of Royalty at Sarasota Opera

Program Seven - Foundations of Royalty May 1 – 2, 2026 Sarasota Opera House Accompanied by the Sarasota Orchestra

Sir Frederick Ashton’s Birthday Offering gracefully opens the Program with its exquisite choreography. Created in 1956 to celebrate The Royal Ballet’s 25th Anniversary, a grand, sumptuous affair, Birthday Offering takes seven couples through a series of variations set to Alexander Glazunov’s music, arranged by Robert Irving, culminating in a stunning ensemble waltz. The Program continues with Checkmate, presented in honor of Dame Ninette de Valois, founder of The Royal Ballet, marking the 25th anniversary of her passing. The ballet brings a chess game to life, infusing the pieces with human emotion. As the ballet unfolds, the ruthless Black Queen hunts her prey—the aging Red King—in a gripping battle of power and fate. A breathtaking end to the Program is Wright’s Summertide, which will celebrate the choreographer’s 100th birthday as of November 25, 2026. An abstract expression of Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 2, this work captures the brilliance of a radiant day in a one-act ballet.

Repertoire will include:

Birthday Offering Choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton Music by Alexander Glazunov

Checkmate Choreography by Dame Ninette de Valois Music by Sir Arthur Bliss

Summertide Choreography by Sir Peter Wright Music by Felix Mendelssohn

Featuring Live Music by the Sarasota Orchestra