Marcus Center Announces New ArtsBridge Project Event This Fall

In October of 2017 the Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera and the Marcus Center will showcase three weeks of uniquely integrated arts programming in Uihlein Hall. This series of collaborative arts experiences is aimed at connecting with new audiences while offering current patrons the opportunity to engage in a different way. The Milwaukee Ballet and Florentine Opera will collaborate around classic operatic themes while all three organizations will participate in the ArtsBridge Project event focusing on a centennial celebration of musical contributions from legendary artists: Leonard Bernstein, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Desi Arnaz, Dean Martin and Jerome Robbins.

"The Marcus Center is thrilled to partner with the Milwaukee Ballet, and the Florentine Opera on the ArtsBridge Project," said Paul Mathews, Marcus Center President & CEO. "As we look ahead to our 50th Anniversary in 2019, this type of creative collaboration is critical to fulfilling our leadership role as the community's premiere performing arts center and helps us open our doors wider to our increasingly diverse community."

During each of the three weeks, one of the organizations will take the lead in presenting a new or enhanced production that incorporates artists from one or more of the other participating groups. The Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra will be utilized by both the Marcus Center and Florentine Opera in addition to performing for the Ballet during their week.

"Having the Ballet Orchestra work with all of us during this series of events is very exciting," said Paul Mathews. "It is another way to connect each of our organization's to each other and give the broader community a chance to experience the talent of this ensemble."

The Marcus Center will be including the students from their Arts Connect program as part of the ArtsBridge Project as well as partners from the community. Arts Connect students will begin preparation for the event during the summer intensive program in June.

"Collaboration and community engagement are the cornerstones of successful professional performing arts and this unique partnership puts all three organizations ahead of the curve as we move forward," said Bill Florescu Florentine Opera General Director. "The Florentine Opera is proud to be a part of it."

Additionally, the groups directly responsible for the collaboration each week will look to include other local artists or students in the development and presentation of these arts experiences - creating more opportunities to build unique artistic connections between the participants, the audiences and the community. Integrating new media, visual art and educational efforts into the performing arts' experience, will broaden the impact of all the participants.

"Milwaukee Ballet is pleased to be partnering on the ArtsBridge Project," said Michael Pink Artistic Director Milwaukee Ballet. "Together we aim to build a meaningful bridge to the future of the arts in our community. We believe this collaboration is a positive step to securing a brighter future."

While the concept of an art's collaboration is not unique, deliberately integrating the talents from all three groups across genres plus adding in other local creatives produces an experience that is uniquely Milwaukee.

Taking this approach serves to enrich the artistic experience for both the audience and the artists while creating the opportunity to connect the community to new and unexpected interpretations each art form.

Additional details about additional community partners, programming and ticketing will be released this summer.

Established in 1969, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is the premier performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin. As the Marcus Center moves into its 48th year, it continues to build bridges between diverse members of our community through high-quality arts entertainment in the region and the state. The touring Broadway series, sponsored by Associated Bank, is recognized as bringing the best of Broadway entertainment to Milwaukee for the past 20 years and provides opportunities to educate, entertain and engage audiences. The Marcus Center is also the home to the Milwaukee Symphony, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera, First Stage plus a variety of other important community and family events throughout the year. For more information about events visit the Marcus Center website at www.MarcusCenter.org. The Marcus Center is a private non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation and is a dedicated veterans memorial in Milwaukee.

Founded in 1970, Milwaukee Ballet is a leader in Wisconsin's arts and culture scene. Under the stewardship of Artistic Director Michael Pink, Milwaukee Ballet has become world-renowned for presenting both bold new interpretations of story ballets, and cutting-edge contemporary works. Milwaukee Ballet is the home to an international company of dancers and is one of only a few companies in the nation to feature its own orchestra. Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is the only professional dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Milwaukee Ballet's award-winning Community Engagement department serves more than 30,000 people in Southeastern Wisconsin through original, interactive programs. Now in his 14th season with the Company, Michael Pink is Milwaukee Ballet's longest-serving artistic director. www.milwaukeeballet.org.

The Florentine Opera Company's productions reflect the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs that foster the current and next generation of opera audiences and practitioners. As a leader in Wisconsin's artistic community and the nation's sixth-oldest opera company, the Florentine Opera seeks to establish a significant presence in the cultural, educational and civic life of the state of Wisconsin and beyond. In addition to mainstage and community performances, the Florentine provides vital arts education experiences for children, nurtures new audiences, and expands cultural horizons for the next generation. The Florentine Opera is a cornerstone member organization of the United Performing Arts Fund and receives funds from Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin (with support from the National Endowment for the Arts), as well as corporations, foundations and individuals. The Florentine Opera Company is an organizational member of OPERA America.

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