Performance Dates
Neoclassical Brilliance Rooted in Antiquity
The wit and humor of Stravinsky’s Suite No. 2 for Small Orchestra, arrangements the composer made of his piano exercises for young musicians, belie the complexity and innovation that would come to characterize his work. Balanchine’s expert ability to choreograph in counterpoint to Stravinsky’s dynamic inventiveness is particularly evident in this now-classic trilogy of ballets inspired by Greek mythology and concepts. The oldest of their collaborations, Apollo presents the young god’s ascension with streamlined simplicity; Orpheus recounts the doomed hero’s tale of descent into the Underworld to retrieve his beloved Eurydice; and Agon personifies the Greek word for ‘struggle’ with its ever-contemporary athletic competitiveness.
Ballets on this Program
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Apollo
Balanchine's first collaboration with Stravinsky and one of his earliest international successes, Apollo presents the young god as he is ushered into adulthood by the muses of poetry, mime, and dance.
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Orpheus
An iconic Balanchine work that was part of NYCB’s inaugural performance in 1948, this highly-stylized, narrative ballet depicts Orpheus’ journey to rescue his beloved Eurydice from the underworld.
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Agon
The apex of Balanchine’s collaborations with Igor Stravinsky, Agon is an intense masterpiece and signature NYCB work, ever contemporary in its athletic competitiveness.
