City Ballet's: Rhapsody in Blue
City Ballet continues its commitment of presenting works choreographed by the great George Balanchine, plus this season works by additional choreographers to create a program for all who love ballet. In March at the Balboa Theatre, City Ballet’s performs its production of Rhapsody in Blue that includes Geoffrey Gonzalez’s take on George Gershwin’s popular score that established his reputation as a serious composer. This large and energetic ensemble work was created for the company’s virtual season last year – now patrons can have the full experience of seeing it performed live on stage! City Ballet continues its commitment of presenting works choreographed by the great George Balanchine, founder of the New York City Ballet, with the San Diego premiere of Danses Concertantes. First choregraphed in 1944, but re-choreographed in 1972 for the Stravinsky Festival at Lincoln Center in New York, this athletic and often jazzy choreography is a delight from start to finish. The Russian born choreographer is widely considered to be the greatest ballet choreographer of the 20th century and created over 300 ballets during his prolific career. With the addition of Danses Concertantes, City Ballet of San Diego will now have twenty of George Balanchine’s ballets in its repertoire. Also, on the program is La Bayadere -Kingdom of the Shades, hailed as one of Marius Petipa’s greatest masterpieces and has become one of the most celebrated ballets in all classical ballet. It continues to thrill and move audiences today as it did in its premiere over a hundred and forty years ago.