Philadelphia Ballet, one of the nation’s premier ballet companies, is set to kick off its 2023/2024 season with an electrifying world premiere of ‘Carmen,’ a ballet reimagined by their Artistic Director, Angel Corella. This eagerly anticipated performance promises to combine traditional Spanish dance with classical ballet to narrate the passionate and tragic love story of Carmen, a powerful heroine entangled in a tumultuous romance with the soldier Don José.
Corella’s creative vision has breathed new life into this classic tale, and audiences can expect an innovative choreographic masterpiece that explores the depths of human emotions. Drawing inspiration from his Spanish roots and training in flamenco, Corella’s adaptation of ‘Carmen’ is poised to be a fiery and dramatic experience like no other.
The world premiere of ‘Carmen’ is scheduled to take place on October 5, 2023, at The Academy of Music and will run through October 15, 2023. With tickets starting at just $25, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
In the words of Angel Corella himself, “Growing up in Spain, training in flamenco, and really understanding the visceral, emotional reactions that make Carmen such a powerful and tragic love story has allowed me to create a version that is distinct from the ones that have come before.”
Collaborating closely with Music Director Beatrice Jona Affron, Corella has curated a full-length score that seamlessly blends music from Georges Bizet’s iconic opera with excerpts from other Bizet compositions, all interwoven with traditional flamenco clapping and percussion. This unique musical tapestry promises to elevate the ballet to new heights.
Angel Corella and Beatrice Jona Affron’s partnership has already brought numerous full-length ballets to life, but ‘Carmen’ holds a special place in their creative journey. It represents not just a recreation of a traditional work but the birth of an entirely new and unique artistic expression.
The 2023/2024 season is more than just the launch of ‘Carmen.’ It signifies the commencement of a two-year celebration, marking the 60th anniversary of Philadelphia Ballet’s founding by Barbara Weisberger. This milestone season also coincides with the tenth anniversary of Angel Corella’s appointment as Artistic Director.
To celebrate this historic occasion, audiences are invited to attend the Opening Weekend Gala Performance and Dinner. This black-tie optional event promises an unforgettable evening, featuring a special-timed performance of ‘Carmen,’ pre-performance and intermission receptions at the Academy of Music Ballroom, and a post-performance dinner with the talented artists of Philadelphia Ballet in the Grand Ballroom of the Bellevue Hotel. All funds raised during this gala will directly support the Ballet’s ongoing work, both on stage and within the community.
Shelly Power, The Dr. Carolyn Newsom Executive Director of Philadelphia Ballet, remarked, “It’s fitting to begin our 2023/2024 season and the company’s 60th-anniversary celebration with a thrilling, all-new production of Carmen. Carmen is a timeless story, and Angel’s reimagining of it will undoubtedly win audiences’ hearts with the passion, romance, and incredible artistry.”
The 2023/2024 season promises a diverse lineup of productions, including George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, Angel Corella’s Giselle, a production showcasing three modern masterpieces by Alvin Ailey, William Forsythe, and Twyla Tharp, and ‘The Dream,’ Frederick Ashton’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ coupled with George Balanchine’s ‘Prodigal Son.’
Philadelphia Ballet, founded in 1963 by Barbara Weisberger, continues to be a cultural treasure of Philadelphia, furthering a nearly sixty-year artistic lineage. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Angel Corella and Executive Director Shelly Power, the company features an ensemble of 52 talented dancers from around the world, performing a repertoire that encompasses both classic and contemporary works.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the world premiere of ‘Carmen’ and be a part of Philadelphia Ballet’s 60th-anniversary celebration. Secure your tickets now and immerse yourself in the world of dance, passion, and artistic innovation.
For more information about ‘Carmen’ and Philadelphia Ballet’s upcoming 2023/2024 season, including ticket purchases and event details, please visit philadelphiaballet.org.
