Rhapsody in Blue
City Ballet continues its commitment of presenting works choreographed by the great George Balanchine, plus this season works by additional choreographers to create a program for all who love ballet.
Free lecture by Artistic Director Steven Wistrich 45 minutes prior to each performance
Performances
Balboa Theatre
868 Fourth Ave
Downtown San Diego
Friday, March 25, 2022 at 8:00pm
Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 8:00pm
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Order tickets for Rhapsody in Blue plus one additional City Ballet production and save 10% on your tickets! And as a season ticket holder, you will gain access to the best seats in each seating section, held exclusively for season ticket holders. Simply select the TWO BALLET ticket package as your season ticket order. Complete the below 29th Season Tickets Subscription Form or contact the City Ballet Box Office at (858) 272-8663.
Program
Rhapsody in Blue
Back by popular demand! Resident Choreographer Geoffrey Gonzalez created his exciting and brillante take on ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ for the company’s virtual season last year. This year patrons will be able to have the full experience of seeing it performed live on stage! ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ established George Gershwin’s reputation as a serious composer. Created in 1924, the piece exudes the qualities of the virtuoso pianist and master of the jazz style for which Gershwin was. This Gershwin ‘classic’ inspired Resident Choreographer Geoff Gonzalez to create a large and energetic ensemble work for City Ballet’s exceptional artists.
First presented by City Ballet of San Diego virtually in 2021
Music
George Gershwin
Choreography
Geoffrey Gonzalez
Danses Concertantes
San Diego Premiere
The great Russian choreographer George Balanchine, founding director of the New York City Ballet, choreographed ‘Danses Concertantes’ in 1944 and re-choreographed it for the 1972 Stravinsky Festival at Lincoln Center. Igor Stravinsky’s score was not originally composed for ballet, but Balanchine was so inspired by the music that he choreographed a highly entertaining masterpiece. Fourteen dancers are challenged to the max, dancing at daringly fast speeds. The athletic and often jazzy choreography is a delight from start to finish.
First presented by Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, City Center of Music and Dance in 1944
Music
Igor Stravinsky
Choreography
George Balanchine
La Bayadere – Kingdom of the Shades
The Kingdom of the Shades is hailed as one of Marius Petipa’s supreme masterpieces and has become one of the most celebrated ballets in all of classical ballet. This work is extracted from the full-length ballet as an independent showpiece, and it has remained so to the present day. Set in a moonlight nocturnal forest featuring a large and spectacularly costumed corps de ballet in glimmering white tutus, ‘La Bayadere’ showcases the genius of Marius Petipa’s unforgettable choreography. The ballet has thrilled and moved audiences since the day of its premiere over a hundred and forty years ago.
First presented by Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1877
Last presented by City Ballet of San Diego in 2008
Music
Ludwig Minkus
Choreography
Marius Petipa
Thank You to Our Season Sponsors
City Ballet of San Diego adheres to San Diego County’s Health & Human Services Agency COVID-19 health and safety requirements.
Photography provided by Jaroslav Richters, Chelsea Penyak, Dale Stokes and Carly Topazio. The photography on this website depict choreography copyrighted by the individual choreographers. Videography provided by Gary St. Martin of Convention Video. Choreography by George Balanchine is copyrighted by The George Balanchine Trust.
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