Local Collaborations include Fisk Jubilee Singers, Matthew Perryman Jones and Nashville Opera
Nashville Ballet closes its 2014-2015 performance season with the return of its cutting-edge Emergence series, an evening of emerging art featuring four original pieces from renowned local musicians and guest choreographers, May 14-16, 2015, at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet.
Nashville Ballet company dancer Christopher Stuart will choreograph an original work set to live music by the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are one of America’s foremost a cappella ensembles and are the premier performers of the Negro spiritual, performing songs originally sung by slaves prior to the Civil War. Sixteen singers will perform three selections, including Soon-ah will be Done, There is a Balm in Gilead and I’m Gonna Sing ‘til the Spirit Moves in my Heart.
“Emergence is one of the Fisk Jubilee Singers’ first collaborations with an outside organization, and it’s a privilege to merge our two art forms together for a piece filled with so much historical and emotional richness,” Stuart said. “Conveying the spiritual depth of their music through dance adds a new layer of emotion for the audience.”
Fresh from Nashville Ballet’s Attitude performance in February, local singer-songwriter Matthew Perryman Jones and frequent guest choreographer Gina Patterson collaborate again to present original music and choreography. Jones and Patterson created their untitled Emergence piece organically in-studio together using inspiration from each other and the dancers.
“Emergence is one of those rare opportunities as an artist where you are not only allowed, but encouraged to create without expectation,” Patterson said. “The spirit of Emergence is about digging deeper and stepping outside of your comfort zone to create an honest, unfiltered piece.”
Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling will choreograph an original piece entitled State of Grace with Nashville Opera. This isn’t the first time the two organizations have performed together; however, it is the first time the two have collaborated on a project together from start to finish, incorporating the choreography and vocalists as one. The piece includes three songs from American composer-lyricist Adam Guettel’s catalog, including two from Myths and Hymns and one from Floyd Collins.
Earlier this season, Nashville Ballet invited local dance organizations to audition for the first slot in the evening’s lineup. Belmont University Dance Company was selected to perform TrApPed, which uses tap dance rhythms to respond to the idea of being trapped—emotionally, mentally and physically.
Emergence is presented by Native Magazine. Tickets are $28 in advance and $35 day of show (based on availability). Tickets can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or by clicking here. Visit our website for the full performance schedule and more information.
About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company NB2 (a pre-professional training company) serve nearly 60,000 adults and children annually through performances and our outreach and community engagement programming. Curriculum-based outreach programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet provides world-class instruction in ballet and other forms of dance for dancers of all ages.
Nashville Ballet is funded in part by Ingram Charitable Trust, Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission, Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Caterpillar Financial, The Memorial Foundation, Publix Super Market Charities, The HCA Foundation, The Mall at Green Hills, Gateway Tire and Service Centers, and thousands of individuals who contribute to our annual operating fund.
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