New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with an unparalleled active repertory of more than 150 works—most of them created for NYCB—many of which are considered modern masterpieces. The Company was established in 1948 by choreographer George Balanchine and arts aficionado Lincoln Kirstein at the City Center of Music and Drama, and quickly became known for pure neo-classicism, which resonated with modern audiences. In 1949, Jerome Robbins joined the Company as associate artistic director and, with Balanchine and many guest choreographers, created a varied repertory that grew each season. Balanchine served as Ballet Master of NYCB from its inception until his death, in 1983, during which time he choreographed countless works and created a company of dancers known for their speed and musicality. In 1964 NYCB moved to its current home at Lincoln Center’s New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater), where it grew into one of the world’s great dance companies. Now under the direction of Ballet Master in Chief Peter Martins, the company has more than 90 dancers, a 62-member orchestra, an official school (the School of American Ballet) and an annual 23-week season in New York, the longest home season of any dance company in the world. Widely acknowledged for its enduring contributions to dance, NYCB is committed to promoting creative excellence and nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers.  For more information visit www.nycballet.com

Symphony in Three Movements George Balanchine ChoreographyTo the music of Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements (1945) (22’)TarantellaGeorge Balanchine ChoreographyTo the music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s Grand Tarantelle for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 67 (ca. 1866) – reconstructed and orchestrated by Hershy Kay  (7’)***Dances at a GatheringJerome Robbins ChoreographyTo the music of Frédéric Chopin’s Mazurkas, Waltzes and Etudes (60’)***Theme and VariationsGeorge Balanchine ChoreographyTo the music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s last movement from Suite No. 3 for Orchestra in G Major, Op. 55 (1884)  (20’)   

Finishing time approx.: 10.30pm / 9.30pm / 8.30pm