A TRADITION in almost all of Ballet Manila’s performance seasons, “Ballet & Ballads,” returns to the stage to bring music and lyrics to life.
In an effort to bring ballet to the people and the people to the ballet, the country’s premier classical dance company plans closes its current season with a star-studded affair.
Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde muses about the latest installment, “It combines a singer with ballet numbers – an interesting concept that we’ve been experimenting with for quite some time now. It’s an entertaining way to enjoy ballet, especially for first-time audiences.”
Crooner Christian Bautista is set to lead the roster of singers as guest performers.
Joining Christian are artists from the Klassikal Musical Foundation (KMF) such as Andrew Fernando (Baritone), Jade Riccio (Soprano), Stephanie Aguilar (Soprano), Krisann Manikan Tan (Mezzo Soprano), Leo Angelo Lanuza (Tenor), and with the special participation of Dr. George T. Yang (Tenor). This marks the first-ever creative partnership between the country’s premier classical dance company and KMF.
The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra will provide accompaniment.
The group has prepared a special Teleserye suite featuring a selection of classic hits from the ABS-CBN primetime repertoire.
“Ballet & Ballads” will also mark the world premiere of Martin Lawrance’s “Aria,” which will feature five acts covering classical operas. The British choreographer previously partnered with Ballet Manila for the highly acclaimed “Rebel” and “Amid Shadows.”
The newest installment of “Ballet & Ballads” will premiere on tonight at 6 p.m. at the Aliw Theater. There will be three other shows: Feb. 11, (3 p.m.), Feb. 17 (6 p.m.), and Feb 18 (3 p.m.).
For more information about the shows, including ticket prices and schedules, you may visit www.balletmanila.com.ph or follow Ballet Manila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.