Velocity Program

Four Loves WORLD PREMIERE Generously Underwritten by Marguerite Swartz

Choreography by Silas Farley Music by Kyle Werner

Costume Design by Cassia Farley Lighting Design by Lisa J. Pinkham

World Premiere: September 19, 2024 by Houston Ballet in the Brown Theater at Wortham Theater Center in Houston, Texas.

WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING Silas Farley’s Four Loves is a ballet that explores the multifaceted nature of love, inspired by the concept of four types of love. Choreographed for Houston Ballet, the piece is divided into four movements, each representing a different type of love: Storge (familial), Philia (friendship), Eros (romantic), and Agape (divine). The choreography is deeply rooted in classical ballet while incorporating contemporary elements, allowing dancers to express the complex emotions associated with each love. Farley’s collaboration with composer Kyle Werner, who crafted a symphony for the ballet, enriches the piece with a profound musical and emotional depth. WHAT YOU’RE LISTENING TO The music for Four Loves also draws inspiration from the concept of the four types of love represented in the ballet. Composed for a full orchestra, the commissioned score is rich with melodic themes that reflect the different facets of love, from the warmth of familial bonds to the profound nature of divine love. Composer Kyle Werner blends influence from classical music, including the lush romanticism of Tchaikovsky and the intricate counterpoint of Bach, to create a soundscape that is both accessible and emotionally resonant. Each movement is distinct yet interconnected, culminating in a finale that harmonizes all four themes.

It’s an honor to have another Silas Farley work in Houston Ballet’s repertoire. His passion for classical ballet shines in every movement, infusing his work with both tradition and innovation that keeps the art form fresh, vibrant, and profoundly relevant.”

MARGUERITE SWARTZ PRODUCTION UNDERWRITER

First Soloists Gian Carlo Perez, Harper Watters, and Julian Lacey. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.

HOUSTON BALLET

19

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker