Letter from the Artistic Director

Each new season gives us the opportunity to present Pittsburgh audiences with works that inspire, entertain and achieve greater heights of artistic excellence.  In this 2010-2011 season we continue the tradition with Pittsburgh and world premieres, audience favorites and a tribute to one of ballet’s legendary masters. 

Opening the season is the Pittsburgh premiere of The Three Musketeers.  It is always a great pleasure to add a new work to our repertoire, and this story’s epic adventures give us the opportunity to showcase PBT’s male dancers in virtuoso performances.

In December, we’ll celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker.  Now in its ninth year, this production is special, in part, because of the richness and depth of the story.  I love watching audiences discover new elements that keep them coming back each season.

Before there was Edward, there was Dracula, and in February we are bringing him to life with our full-length production based on Bram Stoker’s famed novel.  With vampire stories becoming a mainstay in our popular consciousness, it seems the perfect time to show how ballet can own this genre and present a work filled with drama and passion.

The music of George and Ira Gershwin is synonymous with glamour, romance and elegance, and in March these emotions will take center stage for a world premiere, A Gershwin Fantasy.  Commissioning a new work is always an exciting time at PBT, especially when we have the opportunity to work with talented artists from other disciplines.  In this latest endeavor we have the distinct pleasure of partnering with singer Ann Hampton Callaway, who will bring the Gershwin songbook to live with her unique vocal stylings.

George Balanchine, considered the father of American ballet, forever changed the face of the art form by introducing his neo-classical style and pared-down aesthetics.  George Balanchine: Celebrating a Legend includes The Prodigal Son, Agon, Valse Fantaisie and Sylvia Pas de Deux.  These works celebrate not only Balanchine as a choreographer, but also Balanchine as a collaborator.  Two of these works feature scores that Balanchine commissioned from Prokofiev and Stravinsky, counted among the greatest composers of his time.  I cannot think of a better way to close the season than in the presence of such masters.

I hope that after reading about our upcoming year, you will be as excited as we are, and I look forward to seeing you at the theater for a season that guarantees to be unlike any other.