Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra signs contract with Metropolitan Classical Ballet

by PegNews wire

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra announced today that it will provide live music for the Metropolitan Classical Ballet during the 2009-10 season. The FWSO has been hired for productions in the fall and spring as well as the company’s annual Nutcracker performances. The value of this contract is an estimated $85,000.

The two organizations have worked together before, most recently in performances of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf for the Performing Arts Fort Worth Children’s Education Program over the past several years.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Metropolitan Classical Ballet,” said Ann Koonsman, FWSO president. “Artistic Director Paul Mejia is an extraordinary choreographer whose dance melds perfectly with the musical score.”

“For me, music has always been a major part of the ballet experience,” Mejia said. “Its importance is unparalleled. My co-artistic director Alexander Vetrov and I have great respect for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and look forward to working with the musicians once again. We think this will be a wonderful collaboration.”

The FWSO and Texas Ballet Theater announced earlier this year that their contract would not be renewed due to financial issues.

“We are very much looking forward to our creative collaboration with the Metropolitan Classical Ballet,” Koonsman said. “While we miss our relationship with Texas Ballet Theater, it is possible that that cherished partnership will be renewed at some point in the future.”

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has been serving the community and North Texas for more than seventy-five years. Its world-class musicians and internationally recognized music director, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, have become known for their outstanding performances of symphonic and pops music with a wide-range of talented artists. One of the largest performing arts organizations in the city, the Orchestra reaches more than 250,000 people each year in and around Fort Worth. A leader in education and community engagement, the FWSO is the only orchestra in the state to participate in Carnegie Hall’s award-winning Weill Music Institute Communities LinkUP! program. Adventures in Music, the Orchestra’s education and outreach program, inspires, educates and entertains more than 65,000 children each year.

Founded in 1997, Metropolitan Classical Ballet is regarded as one of the most successful ballet companies in Texas. Artistic Directors Paul Mejia and Alexander Vetrov are well-recognized names in ballet. Mr. Mejia, a former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet who danced principal roles in many Balanchine ballets, carries on Balanchine's style and artistic vision through his acclaimed choreography. Alexander Vetrov, former leading male principal dancer with the prestigious Bolshoi has the distinction of being the recipient of the Honored People's Artist of Russia, the highest honor given by the Russian President. Mr. Vetrov still maintains close connections with the Bolshoi today. Company dancers are valued for their superior technique and strong artistic personalities. Since 1999, the Company has performed at the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. It reaches over 30,000 individuals each season. The Company’s repertory has an emphasis on simplicity, style and pure classical tradition, elements that make the Company uniquely classic.

Source: FWSO