Grand Rapids Symphony: Grand Rapids Ballet Symphony of Movement

We are proud to kick off our 2024-25 season in October with Symphony of Movement, a dynamic first-ever collaboration between GRB and the Grand Rapids Symphony at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Conducted by GRSO’s music director Marcelo Lehninger, the symphony shares the stage with the dancers, featuring three acclaimed works and one world-premiere.

Programming includes master choreographer Lar Lubovitch’s tender duet for two men, from his work Concerto 622, set to the adagio of  W.A. Mozart’s famous clarinet concerto. Created during the AIDS crisis in 1985, the work reflects on the themes of friendship and support amidst challenging times. Aubade, choreographed by James Sofranko, is an emotionally charged pas de deux that loosely follows a story of the goddess Diana and a mortal man who enters her domain, set to a score by Francis Poulenc, featuring piano soloist Liz Ames. Ave Maria, also choreographed by James Sofranko, is a captivating duet accompanied by the ethereal music of Carlos Gomes, with the two dancers appearing to transcend reality, gracefully navigating a world suspended among the wind and clouds. The final work featured in the program is a World Premiere choreographed by Jennifer Archibald set to Edward Grieg’s Holberg Suite. As a leading voice in contemporary dance, Archibald’s work is seen around the world, and this will be her third original work for Grand Rapids Ballet.