Ballet Philippines opens its 49th season with a riveting performance of Carmina
Burana. Choreographed by the company’s Artistic Director and National Artist
for Dance Alice Reyes, it brings together icons of performance arts on the
sacred stage of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Ballet Philippines opens its 49th season with a riveting performance of Carmina
Burana. Choreographed by the company’s Artistic Director and National Artist
for Dance Alice Reyes, it brings together icons of performance arts on the
sacred stage of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra accompanies the piece with a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Carl Orff’s masterpiece under the baton of maestro Gerard Salonga. Ethereal and powerful vocals by the Madrigal Singers bring to life religious satire, sentiments of joy and drunken elation shared among poets of medieval Europe. These live musical performances by both the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Madrigal Singers add layers and depth to Reyes’ rich choreography. National Artist Salvador Bernal’s production design creates a majestic landscape of rock formations on stage that transports one to another time, space and universe.
The program will also feature pieces that highlight the history of Ballet Philippines. It will include Brando Miranda’s rendition of Vivaldi Concerto—vigorous, lively and spirited. Vivaldi was first premiered in 1983 and returns on stage after 35 years this season. Norman Walker’s Seasons of Flight, will also take center stage. It tells the tale of human relationships—its dynamics, idiosyncrasies and complexities—through graceful avian movement and migratory patterns. Debuted by Ballet Philippines in 1972, it was the first of five pieces created by Norman Walker for the company. “What I am trying to do is to present to our new audiences some of our iconic pieces that have not been done for so long… reflecting the company’s tapestry of dance gems,” shares Alice Reyes.
In celebrating the bright future of dance, Ballet Philippines is also staging an exciting new piece by the company’s young and talented choreographer Ronelson Yadao, It was during the 48th season when Yadao decided to return to the company after dancing with Cloud Gate Theater in Taiwan. As he stays on for another milestone year, the talented choreographers of the company will premiere more pieces that will add to Ballet Philippine’s unparalleled repertoire.
Ballet Philippines, 50 Onwards 