Balanchine's Greatest Works Inspired By Tchaikovsky

The New York City Ballet celebrates the relationship between their iconic founder George Balanchine and his lifelong connection with the music of fellow Russian artist Tchaikovsky in this dynamic program. The evening begins with Serenade, the first original work he ever choreographed on US shores. Beloved as much by dancers and audiences as it was by its creator, the breathtaking work incorporates almost constant movement that intertwines with physical and musical patterns with stunning speed.

In contrast, Balanchine's Mozartiana was one of his last works. Set to Tchaikovsky's arrangements of several short pieces by Mozart, the ensemble piece evokes a sense of joyful, hallowed reverence and spiritual awe with distinctly classical movements and technically demanding solos. The program comes to a close with Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2, a rousing showcase of virtuosic dance inspired by the work of Marius Petipa and the classical tradition of St. Petersburg.