City Ballet of San Diego closes Season 33 with two ballets that are so representative of the company. An all-new ballet, The Firebird, set by resident choreographer Elizabeth Wistrich embodies the creativity and artistry that exemplifies City Ballet. And as southern California’s largest presenter by ballets choreographed by George Balanchine, City Ballet will add the full-length Who Cares? to the company’s repertoire.
Programming subject to change
The Firebird
WORLD PREMIERE
This world premiere by resident choreographer Elizabeth Wistrich is an original ballet retelling of the story of The Firebird, a frequent feature of Russian fairy tales. Danced to Igor Stravinsky’s famous and beloved score, the story begins at a large party where a beautiful young girl, who possesses special mystical powers she doesn’t yet understand, is struggling to please her overbearing father. She begins to imagine a new and different life where she can be free to explore her dreams and find love. As her thoughts become stronger, she finds herself magically transitioning into a powerful creature and she can enter a whole new realm of existence where she can be wherever she desires to pursue her future and find the love of her life. Her journey is not an easy one. Finding peace, love, and harmony is more challenging than she ever imagined with powers that threaten to overwhelm her.
Choreography
Elizabeth Wistrich (2026)
Music
The Firebird (1910) by Igor Stravinsky
Who Cares?
San Diego Premiere of full-length version
The great Russian born choreographer and founding artistic director of New YorkCity Ballet, George Balanchine, created his jazz inspired, spirited, and lively ballet Who Cares? in 1970. Inspired by the songs of George Gershwin, the ballet was an instant success and is in demand by ballet companies throughout the world. City Ballet of San Diego has danced the smaller cast concert version several times, and is very excited to present the larger cast, full version for the very first time. Join us on a Stairway to Paradise!
Choreography
George Balanchine (1970)
Music
George Gershwin, arranged by Hershey Kay (1970)
Programming subject to change
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Photography provided by Chelsea Penyak, Jaroslav Richters, Sophie Robertson, Anna Scipione, Dale Stokes, and Carly Topazio. The photography on this website depicts 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.
“City Ballet of San Diego” and the block letter logo are copyright trademarks of City Ballet, Inc.
