Houston Ballet unveils 2016-17 Season

Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM has announced the company’s 2016-17 Season. In the coming season, the company will present seven new works by some of the most noted and exciting choreographers of our time (including Jerome Robbins, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Justin Peck and David Bintley), among these are two full-length ballets.

Perhaps the highlight of the season is Welch’s new production of The Nutcracker, premiering in November 2016. A Houston holiday tradition, this production will be the first new version of The Nutcracker in 29 years. With costumes and sets designed by acclaimed British designer Tim Goodchild, Welch’s interpretation of the classic holiday story will enchant a new generation of fans.

Other new works this season also include: the American premiere of David Bintley’s The Tempest, a co-production with Birmingham Royal Ballet based on William Shakespeare’s enchanting play by the same name; Jerome Robbins’ Other Dances; William Forsythe’s Artifact Suite; Stanton Welch’s Son of Chamber Symphony; Jiří Kylián’s Stepping Stones; and Justin Peck’s Year of the Rabbit.

The first program of the company’s 47th season is Director’s Choice: American Ingenuity in September 2016. This will present George Balanchine’s tribute to Imperial Russian Ballet, Theme and Variations, alongside the company premieres of Robbins’ Other Dances and Forsythe’s Artifact Suite.

“I am excited for Director’s Choice: American Ingenuity because all three works are stunning examples of American choreography,” remarked Welch.

Only four days after this program closes, Houston Ballet revives Welch’s signature work Madame Butterfly on a program with his ballet Son of Chamber Symphony.

“Madame Butterfly was the first full-length ballet I created for The Australian Ballet in 1995,” said Welch. “The tale of Cio-Cio San takes the audience through her emotional journey. She portrays the dizzying glory of being in love, settles in to wait, displaying her loyalty and devotion to Pinkerton for years, only to be cruelly betrayed at the end. It’s a stunning tale that is highlighted by the gorgeous score arranged by John Lanchberry and designs by Peter Farmer.”

Next, the holiday season will come alive with the brand-new Nutcracker. Dance fans can expect a Christmas tree that touches the sky and an expanded cast of characters.

“Houston Ballet has had the privilege of performing Ben Stevenson’s production of The Nutcracker for many years. The ballet served the company well and has been a continuous source of inspiration and magic. My hope is to build upon Ben’s legacy and that sense of magic he created as I craft this new production of The Nutcracker,” explained Welch. “Audiences can expect to see a traditional treatment of the ballet with some new characters, set against stunning set and costume designs by designer Tim Goodchild. I hope it will be a ballet theatergoers can treasure for years to come.”

During the Nutcracker run, Houston Ballet will also present its 13th annual Jubilee of Dance, a special one-night-only performance showcasing the talent and artistry of the company dancers in a program of high-energy excerpts from signature works and beloved classics.

After a much-deserved break, the company will be back in the studio in early 2017 to prepare to present its next program, Welch’s Cinderella, in March. This full-length ballet was originally created for The Australian Ballet in 1997. It had its American premiere in February 2008. At its revival in February 2012, dance critic Nancy Wozny pronounced, “Stanton Welch’s Cinderella is a triumph on several levels. From the first few notes of Prokofiev’s brooding score, it’s evident we are in for an extravagant ride.”

Four days after this production concludes, the company’s back to offer up a mixed repertory program, Director’s Choice: Legends and Prodigy. Jiří Kylián created Stepping Stones during a visit to Australia as a reflection on man’s desire to preserve his heritage. Hans van Manen’s Grosse Fuge showcases Houston Ballet’s strong male lineup and proves unequivocally why he is Holland’s most famous choreographer. Justin Peck joins Houston Ballet’s repertoire with Year of the Rabbit, a ballet that showcases the corps de ballet.

Next, from May 25 – June 4, the company will present the national premiere of David Bintley’s magical ballet The Tempest. This is the second full-length ballet by Bintley to join Houston Ballet’s repertoire. (Aladdin was first in 2014.) It features music by well-known British composer Sally Beamish.

Lastly, Houston Ballet will cap its season in mid-June 2017 with Welch’s La Bayadère, a historic classic set in royal India of the past. This is a dramatic ballet of eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance and justice, featuring spectacular scenery and costumes by the acclaimed English designer Peter Farmer. This lavish production recounts the story of Nikiya, a temple dancer, her lover Solor, and the vengeance that keeps them apart – at least in this life.

For further information on Houston Ballet’s 2016-17 Season, visit www.houstonballet.org.

Photo: Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly. Photo by Amitava Sarkar, courtesy of Houston Ballet.