Prism, set to an early Beethoven piano concerto, is a rich and vibrant three-part, neo-classical ballet for 28 dancers. The swiftly paced first movement for three sets of three dancers and an ensemble is filled with sprightly contrapuntal steps. A langorous second movement featuring a poetic pas de deux that is echoed by the section's background couples is followed by an exuberant final movement that is a showcase of male dancing. Prism is Mr. Tomasson's second work for New York City Ballet. In 1983 he created Ballet d'Isoline on the Company. Helgi Tomasson was born in 1942 in Reykjavik, Iceland. After studies at the Royal Danish Ballet School and dancing with the Harkness Ballet and Joffrey Ballet, he joined New York City Ballet in 1970. During his career at NYCB, he danced many roles that were created on him by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins before retiring in 1985. One of the finest male dancers of his generation, Mr. Tomasson was noted for his clarity of movement, refinement and musicality, attributes that he brings to his choreography. In 1985, Mr. Tomasson was named Artistic Director of San Francisco Ballet where he has created many works including Meistens Mozart (1991), Nanna's Leid (1993), and Two Tidbits (1998).