Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen and the Boston Ballet present My Obsession, a program that explores our obsessions, devotions and idols, featuring George Balanchineof Apollo and Allegro Brillante, Helen Picketby 月夜Tsukiyo and the return of DEVIL’S/eye by Stephen Galloway. My Obsession runs October 6-16 at Citizens Bank Opera House.
“Boston Ballet returns to the stage with a program that will excite your passions and desires. From the masterful dance of Allegro Brillante and Apollo by Balanchine to the breathtakingly sensual 月夜 Tsukiyo by Pickett, and finally the highly anticipated return of DEVIL’s/ Stephen Galloway’s eye choreographed to the iconic music of The Rolling Stones, this season opener will stimulate the senses at every turn. I hope the captivating visuals and compelling music will have audiences dancing in their seats,” said the artistic director. Mikko Nissinen.
George BalanchineAllegro Brillante of 16 minutes is a work of pure dance. Featuring the vigorous tempo of Tchaikovsky’s Third Piano Concerto, the work showcases the dancers’ athletic ability to perform rapid choreography with precise timing.
Balanchine’s legendary Apollo brings humanity to Greek mythology, demonstrating an artistic maturity for the main character, as well as for Balanchine himself. Apollo was Balanchine’s first international hit and effectively launched his career, as well as his lifelong partnership with the composer. Igor Stravinsky. It is cited as the first neoclassical ballet. The ballet depicts Apollo, a young Greek god of music introduced into adulthood by the muses of poetry, mime and dance. The title role is widely considered a dancer’s dream.
George Balanchine (1904-1983) is one of the most prolific choreographers of the 20th century. He created over 400 works throughout his career and is widely celebrated for his “neoclassical style” which transformed the world of ballet. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Balanchine came to the United States in 1933, founded the School of American Ballet and eventually the New York City Ballet, where he served as ballet master and principal choreographer. Balanchine also played a vital role in the creation of the Boston Ballet, serving as the Company’s artistic advisor in the early 1960s.
Helen Picket月夜Tsukiyo returns to the stage where it was first created in 2009. Tsukiyo, which means “moonlit night”, is an intimate duo that explores the complexities of human interaction and desire. Set to music by Arvo Pärt, the intense yet flowing movements depict a mystical love story based on the Japanese fable of “The Woodcutter’s Daughter”. Tsukiyo was commissioned by Boston Ballet and was last performed live by the company in 2012.
Prior to her choreographic career, Pickett performed with William Forsythe‘s Ballett Frankfurt for over a decade. Nissinen offered Pickett her first choreographic commission in 2005, and since then she has premiered more than 40 ballets in the United States and Europe, including five new works for Boston Ballet. From 2012 to 2017, she was resident choreographer for Atlanta Ballet. She has also choreographed new works for companies such as Ballet West, Pennsylvania Ballet, Charlotte Ballet and Dance Theater of Harlem.
Back by popular demand, Stephen Galloway’s DEVIL’S/eye. Set to music by the Rolling Stones, this electrifying ballet made its world premiere with the Boston Ballet in March 2022. Creative powerhouse Stephen Galloway’s choreography merges his experience in the dance and fashion industries. In addition to dancing, Galloway enjoyed a successful career in fashion and costume design, consulting for fashion powerhouses like Gucci and Calvin Klein, and designing award-winning costumes for ballet companies around the world, including the Kirov Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. He worked with Boston Ballet’s costume shop to create cutting-edge costumes and lighting designer Brandon Stirling Baker to create a concert arena-inspired set for DEVIL’S/eye. The ballet includes The Rolling Stones’ “Midnight Rambler”, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, “Paint It Black”, “Wild Horses” and “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking”.
Pennsylvania-born Stephen Galloway is the go-to creative movement director and creative consultant to the world’s most progressive image makers and brands. First known for his distinguished 25-year career in ballet and dance, he has worked in many creative fields including costume design, musical performance, fashion photography, magazine publishing and consulting. in brand. He began his career as a dancer in 1985 at the Frankfurt Ballet under the direction of William Forsythe. While Galloway remained with the company until 2004 as a principal dancer, he also collaborated as a choreographer and performed with many other major companies and esteemed directors at the time.
As of September 1, 2022, no proof of vaccination or negative test result is required to enter the Citizens Bank Opera House. Masking is strongly encouraged, but not required to enter the Citizens Bank Opera House. Read our full policy at bostonballet.org and plan your trip to the theatre.
The 9 performances of My Obsession will take place at the Citizens Bank Opera House (539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111): Thursday October 6 at 7:30 p.m. Friday October 7 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday October 8 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday October 9 at 1:30 p.m. Thursday October 13 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 15 at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 16 at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $39. For more information, visit bostonballet.org or call 617.695.6955.
My Obsession lasts about two hours, including two intermissions.
