• Local, State and Nat'l News

Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents American Masters

Nevada Ballet Theatre is thrilled to present American Masters, an evening of works by contemporary choreographers Christopher Wheeldon, James Canfield and Val Caniparoli, who continue to shape the dance scene in America. The program includes four Las Vegas premieres and performances by distinguished guest artists Wendy Whelan, Albert Evans and Sébastien Marcovici, who are principal dancers with the New York City Ballet (NYCB).

This powerful program will be presented on Friday, April 10 at 8 pm and Saturday, April 11 at 2 pm at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Ticket prices range from *$25 – $75, and can be ordered by calling (702) 895-ARTS (2787) or by visiting www.nevadaballet.com.

Whelan, a principal dancer for New York City Ballet since 1991, is one of the world’s most esteemed ballerinas, known for her versatility and bold, modern approach. Evans, a principal dancer since 1995, and the Paris born Marcovici, a principal dancer since 2002, have enjoyed distinguished careers as well, garnering them worldwide audience and media acclaim.

“We are very fortunate to have the incomparable Wendy Whelan, Albert Evans and Sébastien Marcovici join us as we present the works of three master choreographers,” said Executive Director Beth Barbre. “These will be performances to remember in Las Vegas.”

These exceptional artists will perform Liturgy and After the Rain (pas de deux), two critically acclaimed works by choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. A former Royal Ballet and NYCB dancer as well as NYCB’s first resident choreographer, Mr. Wheeldon’s works are now featured in the repertoire of the world’s leading ballet companies. Liturgy, a spiritually-inspired duet, is set to Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s Fratres for violin, strings and percussion and will be performed by Whelan and Evans. Wheeldon’s romantic ballet After the Rain features Whelan with Marcovici in a pas de deux from the ballet’s second movement. Touted as “rich in feeling,” it is set to Arvo Pärt’s hypnotic “Spiegel Im Spiegel.”

In addition, the company will present two works by newly appointed Artistic Director, James Canfield. Up is an imaginative work set to seven different versions of Richard Rodgers’ famous ballad, “Blue Moon.” Artists range from the soulful sounds of jazz artist Billie Holiday, to the country and alternative rock sounds of The Cowboy Junkies, and even the Doo Wop sounds of the Marcels. Neon Glass Pas de Deux, a unique collaboration between composer Philip Glass and renowned glass sculptor, Dale Chihuly, brings together the grandeur of dance, music and visual art in a single ballet. The New York Times declared this work “choreographically fascinating.”

The finale is Val Caniparoli’s Lambarena, a celebration of life’s diverse energy and the universality of music and rhythm. Combining the classicism of Bach with traditional African songs, as well as classical ballet with African dance, this captivating work won the hearts of Las Vegas audiences when it was presented by the Company in 2007.

“American Masters has something for everyone,” remarks Artistic Director James Canfield. “Music lovers will excite to the contemporary stylings of composers Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt, while dance aficionados will witness some of the world’s most striking choreography to date – coupled with African dance and rhythms…nothing could be more educating, elevating and entertaining than this program.”

*SPECIALLY PRICED BALCONY SEATS AVAILABLE!

Nevada Ballet Theatre is offering special $25 Balcony Seats for American Masters. Call the UNLV Box Office at (702) 895-ARTS (2787) for more information.

Visit the Nevada Ballet Theatre website at www.nevadaballet.com