Moving Art 1

at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Pentaptych
Choreography by Ma Cong
Music by Ryan Lott

Pas de Deux from After the Rain
Choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, O.B.E.
Music by Arvo Pärt

Lambarena
Choreography by Val Caniparoli
Music by Johann Sebastian Bach and traditional African, as arranged by Pierre Akendengué and Hughes de Courson

We could not think of a better way to open our first production at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts than with Ma Cong’s Pentaptych. In this ballet a painter takes the stage alongside the dancers, using brushstrokes influenced by their movements to create a wholly unique painting. A true piece of moving art, each performance of Pentaptych is a one-of-a-kind experience for every member of the audience.

The pas de deux from Christopher Wheeldon’s moving After the Rain explores the connection between two dancers. Set to music by Arvo Pärt, this mesmerizing duet evokes a sense of longing, intimacy, and vulnerability through subtle and tender choreography. A recipient of numerous awards worldwide, including the Tony Award for Best Choreography for An American in Paris and MJ The Musical, Wheeldon is one of the most celebrated choreographers of today.

Val Caniparoli’s groundbreaking Lambarena fuses the structure of classical ballet with the grounded rhythms of African dance. Inspired by a score of the same name that blends traditional African music with extended passages from compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, Caniparoli worked with West African dance consultants Dr. Zakarya Diouf and Naomi Johnson-Diouf to seamlessly combine two distinct styles of movement, often in unexpected ways. Filled with color and emotion, Lambarena is a joyous and exuberant celebration of life.

Tickets start at $25. Visit etix.com or call the Richmond Ballet Box Office at 804.344.0906 x224 open Monday-Friday 11am-6pm.