The Washington Ballet to Present CARMINA BURANA, 4/13

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Ballet (TWB) presents Carmina Burana with Balanchine's Theme and Variations- a theatrical tour-de-force performance that includes 100 voices of the Cathedral Choral Society under the direction of J. Reilly Lewis at the Kennedy Center April 13-17.

Carmina Burana

The 10th Anniversary of this TWB signature dance masterpiece is a powerful and exciting post- modern interpretation of Carl Orff's raucous retelling of 24 medieval poems praising springtime, love, lust and fortune. Choreographer Septime Webre creates a story in which the human urge for love continues undiminished throughout the ages.

Balanchine's Theme and Variations
George Balanchine evokes the period when Russian ballet flourished with the aid of Tchaikovsky's refined and sophisticated music. This beloved study of classical ballet reveals a climactic finale for 26 dancers that delights audiences and invokes reverence for both Balanchine and his beloved art form.

For more information about Carmina Burana and Theme and Variations, visit washingtonballet.org.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON BALLET: The Washington Ballet (TWB) was originally founded as The Washington School of Ballet in 1944 by legendary ballet pioneer Mary Day and incorporated as a professional company in 1976. The Washington Ballet is one of the pre-eminent ballet organizations in the United States. TWB built an international reputation presenting bold works by choreographers from around the world, including Choo San Goh, Christopher Wheeldon, Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Hans van Manen and Ji?í Kylián, as well as neoclassical masterworks and fresh staging of 19th century classics. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Septime Webre and Executive Director, Shakira Segundo, TWB has embraced a three-part mission: ensuring excellence in its professional performance company; growing the next generation of dancers through its Washington School of Ballet; and serving the community in which it resides through robust community engagement programs.

ABOUT CATHEDRAL CHORAL SOCIETY

The Cathedral Choral Society is the resident symphonic chorus of Washington National Cathedral. The 145-voice chorus is the oldest symphonic choral group in Washington, D.C., having been founded in 1941 by Paul Callaway, who served as music director until 1984. Since 1985, J. Reilly Lewis has served as its second Music Director, leading performances ranging from choral masterworks to world premieres. Now in its 74th season, the Cathedral Choral Society has presented numerous world premieres; many of them commissioned by the organization, and has maintained a tradition of showcasing young soloists and internationally known artists.

In addition to its main concert series at the Cathedral, the chorus has performed across the region, and on nationwide radio and television. The chorus has appeared at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra and The Washington Ballet, in performances sponsored by Washington Performing Arts, and in the 2014/15 season at Meyerhoff Hall in Baltimore and at Strathmore Hall in Bethesda with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The chorus' discography features ten recordings made at Washington National Cathedral.

The Cathedral Choral Society offers community engagement programs, including sing-along opportunities for the public, outreach performances, and an annual high-school choir festival.

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