George Ballanchine, the great choreographer of the 21st century, was only 24 when he created “Apollo.”
The dance, set to a score by Igor Stravinsky, is said to represent the pinnacle of contemporary classicism.
First premiered on the Parisian stage in 1928, the ballet returns to McCaw Hall in Pacific Northwest Ballet’s next subscription series, a powerful double bill along with Kent Stowell’s “Carmina Burana.”
“Apollo” draws from Greek mythology, following the young title character, identified with music as he engages with three muses: Calliope, representing poetry and rhythm; Polyhymnia, mime; and Terpsichore, dance.
“Carmina Burana,” set to the powerful music of Carl Orff, has been a hit since its 1993 Seattle opening. Performances over the years have sold out.
It’s a spectacle, complete with magnificent sets by Ming Cho Lee and costumes by Theoni V. Aldredge and Larae Theige Hascall.
Orff’s score is taken from two dozen of the medieval tome, “Carmina Burana,” more than 250 poems written by clergymen in the 11th and 12th centuries.
The music is instantly familiar, as is the struggle to make sense of our condition.
The double bill runs eight performances beginning at 7:30 tonight and continuing with evening performances on Saturday, then continuing on April 19, 20 and 21. Matinees are scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday and April 21, and 1 p.m. April 22.
Tickets start at $28 at www.pnb.org or 206-441-2424.
Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.
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