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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Ballet Philippine’s Masterworks opens Aug 14, Friday

In celebration of Ballet Philippines' 40th year, the company will be opening the season with Masterworks, a showcase presenting significant works that have established Ballet Philippines as the flagship company in ballet and contemporary dance. From its treasure trove of over 400 works in classical and contemporary works, Masterworks will feature gems including Agnes Locsin's neo-ethnic Igorot; Edna Vida's Ensalada to the music of Ryan Cayabyab's "Mamang Kutsero," "Bakya Mo Neneng" and "Limang Dipang Tao"; Bam Damian's athletic pas de deux Evacuation; Gaano Kadalas..., created by the late Tony Fabella; Swimming the Ilog Pasig by Alden Lugnasin; William Carter's neo-classical ballet, Bach Concerto; BP Founding Artistic Director Alice Reyes' Romeo and Juliet; and Denisa Reyes' timely Te Deum created in 1985 before the EDSA Revolution portraying through dance the struggles and aspirations of the Filipino people.

For this landmark work, Ballet Philippines will be accompanied live by the Manila Symphony Orchestra. For its musical premier in the Philippines, Te Deum will be performed with the special participation of the UP Concert Chorus and the Greenhills Christian Fellowship Chancel Choir with soloists Janet Sabas Aracama, Raymond Roldan and Jeannelle Bihag-Roldan. Pianist Greg Zuniega will be performing Bach’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in F minor in Bach Concerto, also with the MSO.

Masterworks is the first production under Ballet Philippines’ new Artistic Director, Paul Alexander Morales and new BP Foundation President, Margie Moran Floirendo. It is showing at the CCP Main Theater on Aug 14, Friday 3pm and 8pm, Aug 15, Saturday 3pm and 8pm, and on Aug 16, Sunday 10am and 3pm.

For tickets, call 551-1003 or 551-0221. All BP Alumni, former collaborators and the press are invited to Masterworks opening night on Aug 14, Friday 8pm and are requested to call Ballet Philippines for their complimentary tickets (limited tickets available).