Avant Chamber Ballet Boasts Chamber Orchestra for Beauty & Back Program
Avant Chamber Ballet’s directors Katie and David Cooper are known for pushing the limits of Dallas dance, so it comes as no surprise they are stretching the definition of “chamber” music with their upcoming performance.
Beauty and Bach will open Feb. 17 and 18 at Moody Performance Hall with a triple bill of works Feb. 19-20 – all with a live orchestra.
“I can’t wait to hear the full sound of our chamber orchestra,” Katie Cooper said. “I love the intimacy of chamber music like string quartets but there is something special about the sound of a full pit of musicians.”
The evening opening with George Balanchine’s “Concerto Barocco,” one of the most iconic works by the choreographer and one of the most musical. The score is Bach’s Double Violin Concerto, which is one of the best-known works by the composer. It will be performed live with soloists Eleanor Dunbar and Lauren Densinger.
Next will be the world premiere of Katie Cooper’s “Appalachian Spring.” It will feature Copland’s original 13 member orchestra in his suite arrangement.
Closing the program is the grandeur and classicism of “Aurora’s Wedding – Sleeping Beauty Act 3.” This will be staged by Katie Cooper after the original Russian choreography and music from Tchaikovsky’s score arranged by Bryan English. The wedding features some of the most famous music and dancing in all of the classical ballet with storybook characters visiting Aurora and her prince for their wedding.
Brad Everett Cawyer will conduct the whole evening with the group of musicians he has hand-picked with music director David Cooper.
“Brad is a sensitive and precise conductor – both extremely important qualities for a ballet conductor,” Katie Cooper said. “It is a slightly different skill than just conducting a music concert with no dancing. We have been very lucky to work with Brad over the last few seasons, but this is our largest collaboration yet.”
Tickets are available at avantchamberballet.org or ticketdfw.com.
