Velocity
Choreography by Stanton Welch AM For Mark Music by Michael Torke By arrangement with Adjustable Music, publisher and copyright holder. U.S. Agent: Bill Holab Music. Costume and Scenic Design by Kandis Cook Lighting Design by Francis Croese World Premiere: August 28, 2003 at The Arts Centre State Theatre by The Australian Ballet in Melbourne, Australia. Houston Ballet Premiere: May 25, 2006 in the Brown Theater at Wortham Theater Center in Houston, Texas.
Generously Underwritten by Stephanie and Frank Tsuru
Velocity was commissioned by The Australian Ballet.
WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING A thrilling departure from traditional ballet norms, Velocity is a high-speed exploration of classical technique. Created by Welch for The Australian Ballet in 2003, Velocity garnered critical acclaim for its explosive twists and virtuosic dance. Welch, reflecting on the piece, noted, “ Velocity is true classical dance at its most agile and exciting. I’m playing with the speed and agility of classical ballet. This work tests the limits and talents of the dancers, because they’re going as fast as they can, pushing their technique and bravado.” WHAT YOU’RE LISTENING TO Velocity is set to two short orchestral works by the American composer Michael Torke: Ash (1988) and Green (1986), part of Torke’s series of “color pieces” inspired by his synesthesia. In both works, Torke takes a single musical idea and plays with tension and release, cause and effect; although harmonies might “sound” tonal, they eschew traditional harmonic development in celebration of a single, vibrant sonority. Ash is insistent and driving; listen for echoes of Beethoven. Green , by contrast, has a shimmering pulse reminiscent of the American minimalist tradition, a major influence on Torke.
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Stanton Welch’s Velocity is a testament to the exhilarating heights that classical ballet can reach when pushed to its limits, offering a breathtaking spectacle of agility and virtuosity of our world-class company.”
STEPHANIE AND FRANK TSURU PRODUCTION UNDERWRITERS
20 HOUSTON BALLET
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