Two of the world’s preeminent arts organizations, Mariinsky Ballet accompanied by the Mariinsky Orchestra, will open The Music Center’s dance season with five performances of George Balanchine’s Jewels at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion from October 24–27.
Jewels, a fan favorite, was choreographed by Balanchine in 1967 and is considered the first great three-act abstract ballet. The jewel motif, sustained by costumes and décor, is actually a device to unify sections that would otherwise be disparate; each act is distinct in its style and choreographed to music by Fauré, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky.
Balanchine is considered one of the most influential 20th century choreographers. He premiered Jewels for the New York City Ballet in 1967, where he was its founder and director for 35 years. Each of Jewels’ three acts is styled and composed in stark contrast to each other, united only by the dancers’ dazzling costumes inlaid with colored gems that correspond to the title. The triptych pays homage to the three countries Balanchine called home at various points in his life: France, the United States, and Russia.
Alexei Repnikov conducts the Mariinsky Orchestra for these performances.
One hour prior to each performance of Jewels, The Music Center will host DANCETALKS led by dance historian and author Elizabeth Kaye. Ticketed guests can join this fascinating behind-the-scenes pre-performance discussion.
The 2019–2020 season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center continues with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (March 18–22, 2020); Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch with its Palermo Palermo (April 17–19, 2020); and Malpaso Dance Company (May 15–17, 2020), and concludes with The Music Center debut performances of Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company with Giselle (July 24–26, 2020).
For tickets and information, call (213) 972-0711 or visit musiccenter.org.