October 4–6, 2019 at the Touhill PAC
Nine Sinatra Songs -- a romantic portrait of seven couples that traces the path of their relationships. One of renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp’s most frequently performed works, the ballet has become a fixture in the repertories of dance companies worldwide. Dancers swing, swirl, tango and cha-cha through a glittering ballroom to Sinatra’s most recognizable songs. The October performances will also include George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, a first for Saint Louis audiences and Gen Horiuchi’s More Morra.
Pre-Performance Talk
Balanchine Repetiteur and Former Principal of New York City Ballet
Nilas Martins
Friday, October 4 at 6:30pm
Nilas Martins, born in Copenhagen, received his early dance training at the Royal Danish Ballet School. In 1984, he moved to New York and enrolled at the School of American Ballet. In 1986 he became a member of New York City Ballet and in 1993, was promoted to Principal dancer. Mr. Martins danced numerous featured roles and worked closely with choreographers William Forsythe, Peter Martins, Trey McIntyre, Kevin O’Day, Jerome Robbins, Susan Stroman, Richard Tanner among others. Since 1996, Mr. Martins has been a Répétiteur for the George Balanchine Trust and stages ballets for companies domestically and internationally.
Mr. Martins will give a pre-performance talk on Friday, October 4 at 6:30pm.
Open to the public.
Master Class with Matthew Dibble
Guest performer for NINE SINATRA SONGS
Sunday, September 22 at 2:30pm
© Richard Avedon
The Richard Avedon Foundation
Music by Frank Sinatra, With Appreciation to Sinatra Enterprises and The Frank Sinatra Foundation
This Series also features:
CONCERTO BAROCCO
October 4–6, 2019
The October performances will also include George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, a first for Saint Louis audiences. Considered “spiritual perfection” by dance critics and the ballet where the master found his true self, Concerto Barocco is an icon of his spare, neo-classical style. Set to Bach’s Double Violin Concerto in B Minor, the work is exceptionally demanding of its dancers with Balanchine’s most difficult choreography that requires split-second timing, extreme precision and great stamina.
The opening weekend also includes an original work, More Morra, by Gen Horiuchi.