2015 Kyoto Prize Laureate in Arts and Philosophy Recipient Coming to University of San Diego

The University of San Diego will host John Neumeier, the 2015 recipient of the Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy for the annual Kyoto Prize Symposium, Thursday, March 17, 10:30 a.m. in Shiley Theatre. Mr. Neumeier is the preeminent artistic director and choreographer of Germany's Hamburg Ballet. He will share his choreographic approach with the San Diego community while leading four of the Hamburg Ballet's principal dancers through a demonstration of his unique artistic talents.

Neumeier is a globally recognized choreographer. During his career, he has combined the essence of two genres, dramatic ballet and abstract ballet, raising the art to a new level. Neumeier has successfully applied traditional ballet techniques and vocabulary to maximize the potential for bodily expression and capture the details of human psychology.

"USD is pleased to once again host the Kyoto Prize Symposium together with our colleagues at UC San Diego, San Diego State University, and Point Loma Nazarene University. The Inamori Foundation, along with our university partners, share a vision of shining a bright light on remarkable individuals whose life's work culminate in extraordinary contributions to science, spirituality and civilization. This year, we are especially pleased to host John Neumeier, a choreographer whose is recognized around the globe for his brilliant artistry and remarkable bodily expressions," said USD President James T. Harris III.

A native of Milwaukee, WI, Neumeier moved to Europe after college and quickly established himself as a respected choreographer. His masterpieces, such as "Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler," "The Lady of the Camelias," and "The Seagull," have been said to move audiences to tears. Other Neumeier adaptations such as "Illusions," "Swan Lake," and "Othello," have been described as works of genius.

In addition to Neumeier's Kyoto Prize Symposium presentation, later that afternoon, Mr. Neumeier has agreed to lead his four principal dancers in a 90-minute series of ballet vignettes called "Shakespeare Danced." The performance begins at 2:15 p.m. in USD's Shiley Theatre. All events are free and open to the public. Reservations are required. To register, visit: http://kyotoprizeusa.com

Journalist who would like to interview Mr. Neumeier are invited to attend Media Day on Tuesday, March 15. Reservations are required.

Where: Point Loma Nazarene University, Fermanian Business Center

3900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego, CA 92106

When: Tuesday, March 15, 2016

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Reservations are required

Reservations: Contact: Jay Scovie, (619) 517-3037

Established by the Inamori Foundation in 1985, the Kyoto Prize strives to honor significant contributions in the scientific, cultural and spiritual betterment of humankind. The president of the nonprofit organization is Dr. Kazuo Inamori, founder and chairman emeritus of Kyocera and KDDI Corporation.

About the University of San Diego

The University of San Diego is a Catholic institution of higher learning committed to teaching, the liberal arts, the formation of values and the creation of ethical leaders. Chartered in 1949, the school enrolls approximately 8,300 undergraduate and graduate full-time equivalent students. The University of San Diego has a long history of public service and is recognized as a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka, the global association of the world's leading social entrepreneurs. The university's eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, The School of Business, The Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, The School of Law, The School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Sciences, The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education.

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