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Celebrates the Return to its Home Venue
New Orleans Ballet Association
Celebrates the Return to its Home Venue
World Renowned Ballet Stars Mark the
Re-Opening of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts
NEW ORLEANS, LA, December 19, 2008 /Louisiana PR News/ -- Just over three years after being damaged by Hurricane Katrina, the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts will once again open its doors to the public. The New Orleans Ballet Association will join forces with other leading arts organizations in New Orleans to open the venue in a week of performances and activities January 8 - 17, 2009.
In a true testament to its commitment to the arts, as well as its dedication to the rebuilding of this great city, the New Orleans Ballet Association is commemorating its return home with a stunning exhibition of some of the world's greatest performers. The re-opening event on January 10 in collaboration with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, titled An Evening of Music and Dance, will feature the critically praised New York City Ballet principal dancers Wendy Whelan and Albert Evans and dancers from the illustrious San Francisco Ballet, as well as legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman.
"We are honored to be one of the first companies to perform at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of Performing Arts since its renovation following Hurricane Katrina," said San Francisco Ballet Executive Director Glenn McCoy. "We hope, in our own way, that this performance demonstrates the respect and admiration we hold for the city of New Orleans."
Wendy Whelan, whose dancing was declared "the miracle" by Dance Magazine, actually received her training in Louisville, KY by NOBA Board Member and NORD/NOBA Center For Dance Volunteer Instructor Cecile Gibson. "Cecile was incredibly instrumental in getting me to New York and setting my life's path as a dancer," said Ms. Whelan. "Not only did she provide me with amazing training, but she also helped me audition and secure a benefactor from Louisville (KY) to fund my education. Her overall kindness was an amazing gift, and I would do anything for her."
Having consistently called the venue home for more than 25 years, the return to the Mahalia Jackson Theatre is especially significant for the New Orleans Ballet Association. After the storm damaged its primary venue in 2005, the organization relocated its Main Stage performances to Tulane University's Dixon Hall. Although this venue provided technical and spatial challenges, the quality and renown of the dance companies presented never wavered. "We are forever grateful to Tulane University for providing a home for our Main Stage Series since 2006," states NOBA Executive Director Jenny Hamilton. "The generosity of this great university combined with the extraordinary willingness of the international dance community to accommodate the space allowed us to continue providing this region the world renowned dance to which our audiences have become accustomed."
"Having the Mahalia Jackson Theatre back opens some incredible options for us to be able to bring in work that we could not bring to any other stage currently open in the city," said Executive Director Jenny Hamilton. "We extend our appreciation to Mayor Nagin, the City Council, and other leaders for the recognition of the importance of this venue to the viability of the arts in New Orleans," said Cynthia LeBreton, NOBA Board Chair. "The re-opening of the Theatre is a signal to the international community of the vital role that the arts play in the rebuilding of this great City." In March, NOBA will once again celebrate its return to the Theatre of the Performing Arts with the continuation of its Main Stage series and Houston Ballet's Marie. Inspired by the life of the legendary Marie Antoinette, this full-length ballet is one of the largest and most lavish productions in 20 years. The production features 77 dancers and more than 60 musicians of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Mahalia Jackson Theatre, located in Armstrong Park, took in 14 feet of water that severely damaged the interior as well as most of the mechanical and electrical equipment. Over the past year, the theatre and park have undergone extensive renovations and the new facilities are said to have a state of the art sound and projection system, an orchestra shell, new seating, and improved lighting, as well as enhanced parking and new sidewalks in the park. In addition, the theatre will also feature a removable floor exclusively for dance performances. The floor and orchestra shell are supported through a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Wendy Whelan and Albert Evans will perform Christopher Wheeldon's Liturgy, a pas de deux set to Fratres by Arvo Part. Eight exceptionally talented dancers from the San Francisco Ballet will later take to the stage with Double Evil by Jorma Elo, set to Philip Glass' Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra and Vladimir Martynov's Come In! Collaborating with NOBA is the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Carlos Miguel Prieto, which will feature violinist Itzhak Perlman playing Bruch's Violin Concerto in G minor. The full orchestra will also be performing Shostakovich's Festive Overture and Strauss' Suite from Der Rosenkavalier.
The performance begins at 7 p.m., and ticket prices range from $30 to $100. For tickets or information, call the New Orleans Ballet Association Box Office at (504) 522-0996. Tickets may be purchased online through www.nobadance.com, or via Ticketmaster at (504) 522-5555 or www.ticketmaster.com.
About New Orleans Ballet Association
NOBA is the Central Gulf region's premiere presenting and service organization dedicated solely to the art of dance. NOBA's dynamic Main Stage season annually features a diverse array of world-class companies and artists. Each year NOBA provides concerts, classes, workshops and lectures to more than 25,000 area dance enthusiasts of all ages. In addition, NOBA's nationally recognized award-winning education programs provide the youth of our community access to quality arts programs with 2,500 free dance classes and workshops annually at nine sites throughout the Greater New Orleans area. For more information, please visit us online at 504.522.0996.
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Press Release Contact Information:
Jessica Brown
New Orleans Ballet Association
Communications Manager
One Lee Circle
New Orleans, LA
United States 70115
Voice: 504.522.0996
Fax: 504.595.8454
Website: Visit Our Website |
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