The Concert (or The Perils of Everybody)

The Concert - Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Repertoire
  • Choreographer: Jerome Robbins
  • Music: Frédéric Chopin
  • Costumes: Irene Sharaff
  • Lighting: Original lighting by Jennifer Tipton; recreated by Les Dickert; lighting direction by Christina Giannelli
  • Set Design: Saul Steinberg
  • World Premiere: March 6, 1956, New York City Ballet, City Center of Music and Drama, New York
  • PBT Performance Date: March 6-8, 2015;

Program Notes

Choreographed in 1956, Jerome Robbins’ The Concert is a comic spoof of a classical music concert. The setting is an all-Chopin recital where the attendees allow their decidedly imaginative minds to wander. When the resulting images are danced, human foibles and recognizable insecurities are revealed as Robbins brings each fantasy comically and vividly to life. A genuine crowd-pleaser, The Concert illustrates Robbins’ remarkable insight into the delightful imperfections of human relationships and, in the midst of the laughter, enlightens us all.  Chopin (1810-1849), born in Poland, was one of the most important innovators for the piano, both in terms of composition and playing style. He influenced future composers, especially those of the French and Russian schools, and the musical level he attained made possible future piano innovations.
—Doug Fullington, Pacific Northwest Ballet