Boston Ballet Announces Tour to London

Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen today announced Boston Ballet will tour to London, England July 1 – 7, 2013 for a six performance debut at the London Coliseum. The date marks the return of Boston Ballet to London for the first time in 30 years. The Company will present two programs, showcasing the diversity of Boston Ballet's repertoire and the versatility of its artists.

The tour will commence Boston Ballet 50th anniversary season. "The performances are an exciting opportunity to bring this versatile ballet company to London", said Nissinen. "The repertoire duly represents classical ballet, neo-classical dance and cutting edge contemporary dance." The dynamic collection of ballets the Company will perform in London reflect a century of groundbreaking choreography ranging from Nijinsky to Boston Ballet resident choreographer Jorma Elo.

Program A highlights the company's diverse range and command of Balanchine choreography. Featuring Vaslav Nijinsky's Afternoon of a Faun, George Balanchine's Serenade and Symphony in Three Movements, and resident choreographer Jorma Elo's Plan to B which premiered with the company in 2004, the choreography in this program is rich with innovation. Boston Ballet Music Director and Principal Conductor Jonathan McPhee will lead the Royal Philharmonic.

The second program Boston Ballet brings to London audiences features the contemporary dynamic and versatility of the company. Program B presents three extraordinary works – William Forsythe's The Second Detail, Christopher Wheeldon's Polyphonia, and Ji?í Kylián's Bella Figura. Boston Ballet is the first American Company to perform Kylián's Bella Figura. An emotional masterpiece, audiences have called Bella Figura a beautiful and artistic experience that leaves a lasting impression. Polyphonia, originally choreographed for New York City Ballet in 2001 by British choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, is as physically complex as its score. Boston Ballet dancers showcase their playful athleticism in this stripped down performance of ballet in a pure form. Finally, William Forsythe's The Second Detail set to a robust score by Thom Willems is a potent piece of kinetic energy that never fails to overpower the theatre. Each of these groundbreaking works act as a tribute to the three choreographers' visionary talent. All three works have received high praise, applauding Boston Ballet's ability to evolve current perceptions about ballet.