World Premiere of Orpheus Alive with Company Premiere of Chaconne Opens November 15 Principal Casting Announced November 4, 2019 … Karen Kain, Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, today announced the principal casting for the world premiere of Orpheus Alive by Choreographic Associate Robert Binet featuring a new commissioned score by acclaimed New York composer Missy Mazzoli. Orpheus Alive is paired with the company premiere of George Balanchine’s Chaconne November 15 – 21, 2019 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. #OrpheusAliveNBC #ChaconneNBC Artists have long been fascinated with the Greek myth of Orpheus, the gifted musician who rescues his lover Eurydice from death only to lose her again in a moment of doubt. At its core, theirs is a story about love, trust and the redemptive potential of art. With Orpheus Alive, Mr. Binet brings a fresh perspective to the myth, casting Orpheus as a woman, Eurydice as a man and the audience as gods of the underworld who decide their fate. The opening night cast on November 15 will feature First Soloist Jenna Savella and Second Soloist Spencer Hack as Orpheus and Eurydice along with Principal Dancer Sonia Rodriguez as Eurydice’s Mother. Subsequent performances will feature Principal Dancer Heather Ogden and First Soloist Hannah Fischer in the role of Orpheus, Principal Dancers Harrison James and Brendan Saye as Eurydice and First Soloist Tanya Howard as Eurydice’s Mother. In the music for Orpheus Alive, Ms. Mazzoli quotes Gluck’s opera Orfeo ed Euridice, setting the tone for George Balanchine’s Chaconne which features the same Gluck score. From the lyricism of the opening pas de deux to the large ensemble work and grand solos of the finale, Chaconne delights in movement. The opening night cast will feature Principal Dancers Heather Ogden and Harrison James. The principal roles will be performed by Principal Dancer Naoya Ebe and First Soloist Koto Ishihara and Principal Dancers Heather Ogden and Brendan Saye in subsequent performances. Orpheus Alive Orpheus Jenna Savella (November 15, 20 at 7:30 pm) Heather Ogden (November 16 at 2:00 pm/November 21 at 7:30 pm) Hannah Fischer (November 16 at 7:30 pm/November 17 at 2:00 pm) Eurydice Spencer Hack (November 15, 20 at 7:30 pm) Harrison James (November 16 at 2:00 pm/November 21 at 7:30 pm) Brendan Saye (November 16 at 7:30 pm/November 17 at 2:00 pm) Eurydice’s Mother Sonia Rodriguez (November 15, 21 at 7:30 pm/November 16 at 2:00 pm) Tanya Howard (November 16, 20 at 7:30 pm/November 17 at 2:00 pm) Chaconne Heather Ogden and Harrison James (November 15, 16 at 7:30 pm/November 17 at 2:00 pm) Koto Ishihara and Naoya Ebe (November 16 at 2:00 pm/November 21 at 7:30 pm) Heather Ogden and Brendan Saye (November 20 at 7:30 pm) All casting is subject to change. More information about Orpheus Alive & Chaconne > – 30 – BMO Financial Group presents the 2019/20 Season. Lead philanthropic support for Orpheus Alive is provided by The Producers’ Circle. The Producers’ Circle: Gail & Mark Appel, John & Claudine Bailey, Inger Bartlett & Marshal Stearns, Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney, Gail Drummond & Bob Dorrance, The Thor E. and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation, Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, Kevin Garland & Roger Garland, C.M., Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin, The William & Nona Heaslip Foundation, Anna McCowan- Johnson & Donald K. Johnson, O.C., Judy Korthals & Peter Irwin, Mona & Harvey Levenstein, Jerry & Joan Lozinski, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, C.C., Julie Medland, Sandra Pitblado & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lynda & Jonas Prince, Susan Scace & Arthur Scace, C.M., Q.C., The Harry & Lillian Seymour Family Foundation, Gerald Sheff & Shanitha Kachan and The Jack Weinbaum Family Foundation. Naoya Ebe is sponsored through Dancers First by Gretchen Ross. Harrison James is sponsored through Dancers First by Lucy White. Heather Ogden is sponsored through Dancers First by Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin. Brendan Saye is sponsored through Dancers First by Robin Vaile Robinson. Hannah Fischer is sponsored through Dancers First by an anonymous donor. Jenna Savella is sponsored through Dancers First by Elvio & Marlene DelZotto. The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Economic Development & Culture Department; the Government of Canada – Department of Canadian Heritage, through the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism; and the Government of Ontario through The Honourable Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. For more information, please contact: Catherine Chang Francine Labelle Senior Communications Manager Publicist 416 345 9686 x302 416 345 9686 x312 [email protected] [email protected] national.ballet.ca national.ballet.ca .