Acclaimed as “a jewel among U.S. dance companies,” (Dance/USA), the Richmond Ballet performs Ma Cong’s joyful Thrive and John Butler’s masterwork Carmina Burana. The exquisite evening features the Richmond Symphony & Chorus and the City Choir of Washington, in addition to Wolf Trap Opera artists soprano Esther Tonea, tenor Lunga Eric Hallam, and baritone Daniel Rich. Butler’s powerful, impassioned Carmina Burana uses the full breadth of Carl Orff’s choral score to explore the melding of classical ballet’s structure with the earthiness of contemporary dance.
Before the performance, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin will present the Richmond Ballet Lifetime Achievement Award to the illustrious actor, dancer and choreographer, and Kennedy Center Honoree, Carmen de Lavallade. Ms. Lavallade was one of the four principal dancers from the original 1959 cast of Carmina Burana.
THRIVE
Choreography by Ma Cong
Music by Oliver Davis
Costume Design by Monica Guerra
Lighting Design by Trad A Burns
with Richmond Ballet and Richmond Symphony and Chorus
INTERMISSION
CARMINA BURANA
Conceived and Choreographed by John Butler
Music and Latin Text by Carl Orff
Staging by Igor Antonov and Lauren Fagone
Costume Design by John Butler
Original Lighting Design by Richard Moore
Tenor:
Lunga Eric Hallam (Wolf Trap Opera)
Soprano:
Esther Tonea (Wolf Trap Opera)
Baritone:
Daniel Rich (Wolf Trap Opera)
with Richmond Ballet, Richmond Symphony, Richmond Symphony Chorus, and The City Choir of Washington
View full casting
Richmond Ballet
Richmond Symphony
City Choir of Washington
Wolf Trap Opera