Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
March 6, 7, 8
8 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Three masterworks by world-renowned choreographers will make their Pittsburgh premiere at the Benedum this weekend.
Bringing bold contemporary dance works to local audiences, the latest edition of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre‘s PBT Premieres series showcases the vision of three of the most groundbreaking choreographers of our time. Featured works include Petite Mort by Czech native Jiřί Kylián, The Concert by Academy Award-winning American theater producer, director and choreographer Jerome Robbins (1918 – 1998) and Sandpaper Ballet, by the legendary American dancer, choreographer and director Mark Morris.
Featuring two of Mozart’s most lyrical piano concertos, Petite Mort is balanced by Kylián’s powerful agile choreography as six men, six women, six fencing foils, voluminous fabrics and black baroque dresses punctuate the work’s arresting movements. Widely considered to be one of the most influential choreographers of the last 30 years, Kylián created the work for the second centenary of Mozart’s death.
Jerome Robbins’ The Concert focuses on an onstage pianist, as the iconic music of Frederic Chopin inspires “flights of imagination from quirky concert patrons.” Audiences will be transfused as concert-goers lose themselves in the work’s perceptive music and comedy. This production marks the first work by Robbins to enter PBT’s repertory.
The third premiere, Sandpaper Ballet, is a whimsical ensemble work highlighting Morris’ signature wit, musicality and choreography. Set to familiar 1940s and 1950s tunes by acclaimed American composer Leroy Anderson (1908 – 1975), including “Sleigh Ride,” “The Typewriter” and “The Syncopated Clock,” the work features 25 dancers costumed in electric green jumpsuits and patterned sky-blue tops.
Significant and inventive works that will challenge artists and audiences alike, the all-premiere mixed repertory program also features live accompaniment by the PBT Orchestra.
Go beyond the stage at one of PBT’s educational events such as Afterthoughts post-performance and pre-show Insights discussions, Talks with Terry featuring PBT’s artistic director and behind-the-scenes viewings of the ballet’s onstage warm-up classes.