January 7, 2004
AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE AT THE GUGGENHEIM TO PRESENT SYMPOSIUM ON NEW PRODUCTION OF RAYMONDA, SUNDAY AND MONDAY, JANUARY 18 AND 19 AT 8 P.M.
ABT Dancers to Perform Excerpts from New Production of the Full-Length Ballet
American Ballet Theatre, in conjunction with the Guggenheim’s Works & Process series, will present a discussion and performance excerpts from the Company’s all-new full-length production of Raymonda on Sunday and Monday, January 18 and 19 at 8 P.M. in the Peter B. Lewis Theater at the Guggenheim Museum.
Moderated by ABT Artistic Director of Education and Training John Meehan, the symposium will discuss the past, present and future of the full-length ballet, which was first performed in 1898 in St. Petersburg, Russia. This new production, conceived and directed by Anna-Marie Holmes and ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie with choreography by Ms. Holmes after Marius Petipa, will have its United States Premiere on May 21, 2004 during ABT’s Spring Season at the Metropolitan Opera House. A co-production with the Finnish National Ballet, Raymonda was given its World Premiere in Helsinki by the Finnish National Ballet on May 10, 2003.
During the evening, Kevin McKenzie will answer questions about the new production, as well as coach ABT dancers, including Soloists Michele Wiles and David Hallberg, in excerpts from the ballet. In addition, ABT Ballet Mistress Irina Kolpakova will discuss her experiences with the ballet and will present video clips from her performances of the title role with the Kirov Ballet.
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary season, the Works & Process series, produced by Mary Sharp Cronson for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, features extraordinary contemporary music, dance, opera, and theater. Each event presents excerpts of productions accompanied by discussion among the artistic collaborators, offering insight into the creative process. The Guggenheim Museum is located at Fifth Avenue at 89th Street in New York City.
Tickets are $18 for general admission, or $15 for members of the Guggenheim Museum, ABT’s Dancer’s Circle or Golden Circle and for students and senior citizens. Tickets may be purchased at the Museum admissions desk, through the box office by calling 212-423-3587 or by email at boxoffice@guggenheim.org. The box office is open from 1 to 5 P.M., Monday through Friday.