Lydia Johnson Dance Premieres at NYLA, 6/21-23

Lydia Johnson Dance will premiere two new works: one to music by Philip Glass and Marc Mellits, and the second to Trio Sonatas of Handel, joined by company works to one of the choreographer's favorites composers, Osvaldo Golijov. Joining the 13-member ensemble are guests Mary Beth Hansohn and Peter Chursin, recently seen on the Twyla Tharp Dance 50th Anniversary Tour. Company Ballet Mistress is Deborah Wingert, former New York City Ballet dancer and one of a select few chosen by The Balanchine Trust to set his works on other companies. Performances Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, June 21, 22 & 23 at 7:30 PM at New York Live Arts, 219 West 19th Street.

The Company will premiere the masterfully crafted "Trio Sonatas," set to the Trio Sonatas of Handel, and offering a joyous expression of the human spirit. The challenge of creating compelling architecture for these trios is what inspired Ms. Johnson to create the work for a 7-member ensemble. Excerpts from "Trio Sonatas" were shown in April when Ms. Johnson participated in the 92nd St. Y's "Women Ballet Choreographers East and West."

The season's second premiere is set to a Marc Mellits piano piece and Etudes Book 2 #17 by Philip Glass. Guests Hansohn and Chursin will be featured in the new work, which includes an appearance by a child. The choreographer has integrated children in a few previous dances, which inspired Jennifer Dunning (who called Johnson "a true original") to remark: "Ms. Johnson also has a gift for integrating children unsentimentally into her dances, almost as added texture." (The New York Times)

From 2015 is Johnson's "Giving Way," set to a cello and marimba duet by Osvaldo Golijov and an aggressive string octet by Marc Mellits, a contemporary composer who divides his time between Chicago and Romania.

The Company will also repeat the 2012 "Crossings by River," declared by Philip Gardner as a work that "carries on the great dance tradition of memorable works for female ensemble. It needs to be seen and savoured." (Oberon's Grove, June 2012). Johnson once again turned to the music of Golijov, in this case a mystical, evocative score.

www.lydiajohnsondance.com

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