Madison Ballet is building MOMENTUM with our 43rd season
Ja’ Malik describes the season as a showcase of “The momentum Madison Ballet is building with extraordinary artists, dynamic programming, brilliant new creations, exciting collaborations, and time-honored traditions.”
In Newtonian mechanics, momentum is the product of the mass and velocity of an object. It is a vector quantity, possessing a magnitude and a direction. Join in the momentum by attending our exciting new season!
The fall season opens with a celebration of the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." Ja’ Malik will choreograph a new ballet set to this iconic composition, with live music and featuring lighting by Zak Stowe and costumes by company artist Fernanda Yamaguchi. The program also includes a world premiere by Rehearsal Director Richard Walters, the return of "In Grief" by Yusha Marie-Sorzano, the Madison premiere of "Fragments of Hope" by Ja’ Malik, and "Something to Remember You By" from Stephanie Martinez.
Madison Ballet's enchanting production of The Nutcracker returns, featuring choreography by Sara Stewart Schumann, Tom Mattingly, and Ja’ Malik. This beloved holiday classic transports audiences into Clara's dreamlike adventure, beginning at a festive holiday party. As the night unfolds, Clara witnesses a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, culminating in her victory with the help of her heroic Nutcracker. The journey continues to the Land of Sweets, led by the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy, where magical characters such as waltzing flowers and twirling snowflakes come to life. Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Andrew Sewell, enhances this magical experience, making it a must-see for families and friends.
Mozart and More celebrates the genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with a beautiful program featuring beloved compositions. Highlights include a world premiere by Ja’ Malik, choreographed to Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23, and the Madison premiere of Stephanie Martinez’s "The Time That Runs Away," created as a co-production with American Repertory Ballet. The program also includes a world premiere by Richard Walters and the Madison premiere of Ja’ Malik’s critically-acclaimed "The Hour Before." Selected works in the program will feature live music, adding an extra dimension to this exceptional celebration of Mozart’s legacy.
In an exciting collaboration with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, Madison Ballet presents a world premiere set to Oliver Davis's "Liberty" suite. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Andrew Sewell, will bring this glorious music to life alongside the artist of Madison Ballet. The evening will also feature Dvořák's Serenade for Strings, known for its lush melodies and rich harmonies.
Concluding the season, Madison Ballet presents a new one-act ballet adaptation of William Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." With new original choreography by Ja’ Malik, this production features an eclectic mix of new music combined with Felix Mendelssohn’s timeless score. New costumes by Ja’ Malik and Fernanda Yamaguchi, scenic design by Ja’ Malik, and lighting by Julie Ballard. Set in Central Park, NYC, this magical tale of love and mischief will transport audiences to a whimsical world of fairies, elves, and enchantment.
