Atl Ballet Legend Robert Barnett, 84, Returns to Stage in US Premiere of Kudelka’s Four Seasons

March 4, 2010 - PRLog -- For one weekend only, March 25 - 28, Atlanta Ballet presents the U.S. premiere of James Kudelka’s “Four Seasons” at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, featuring special performances by Atlanta Ballet’s artistic director emeritus Robert Barnett and current artistic director John McFall.

For Barnett, 84, this will be his first stage performance since 1974. Barnett, who served as artistic director for Atlanta Ballet from 1962 to 1994 and was celebrated for bringing Balanchine’s “Nutcracker” to Atlanta – the first to perform his version outside of New York City Ballet, will perform alongside McFall and former Atlanta Ballet dancer Anne Burton Avery. Avery and Barnett danced together as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, respectively, during the Company’s first production of “Nutcracker” in 1959 and again for Barnett’s last performance in 1974.

"I have mixed emotions about returning to the theater, at my age,” said Barnett, “but delighted to be with Anne Burton after so many years, as she is still a joy to watch and be with on the stage. And of course I also look forward to my reunion with Atlanta Ballet. There are so many fond memories and special people here."  

Kudelka's “Four Seasons,” touted by critics and patrons as a modern masterpiece, follows the character known only as “everyman” through the cycles of life, as represented by the different seasons. First comes spring, representing youth, followed by passionate summer, the calmness of autumn, and then the chilling grip of winter as death, which will feature the solo performances by both Barnett and McFall. Company members Christian Clark and John Welker will dance the lead roles of “everyman.”

Regarded as Canada’s most celebrated classical choreographer, Kudelka debuted “Four Seasons” in 1997 during his tenure as artistic director with the National Ballet of Canada. Kudelka’s piece is set to Antonio Vivaldi’s set of four violin concertos, “Four Seasons,” and will be performed live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.

In addition to “Four Seasons,” Atlanta Ballet will resurrect the 2006 season production of Lila York’s Celts as well as rEVOLUTION, a piece choreographed by Kennesaw State student Myles Johnson, featuring performances by students from the Kennesaw State University dance company.

“Vivaldi’s Four Seasons,” the fourth installment of Atlanta Ballet’s 80th anniversary season, runs Thursday, March 25 through Sunday, March 28 for five performances. Tickets start as low as $20. For tickets, call 800-982-2787 or stop by the Cobb Energy Centre box office.  To purchase tickets online, visit www.atlantaballet.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is the longest continuously-operating ballet company in the United States. Atlanta Ballet's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals.

Among Atlanta Ballet’s proud and unique 80-year history are its three Artistic Directors, Miss Dorothy Alexander, whose vision brought dance to the South; Robert Barnett, who turned Atlanta Ballet into a professional company; and currently, John McFall. Under McFall’s leadership Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance.

Atlanta Ballet's roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city's cultural growth and revitalization.