Dance Kaleidoscope and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra are presenting “New World” – a multi-sensory program featuring Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.
The collaborative performance, which marks the end of the ICO and Dance Kaleidoscope’s 2023-24 season, takes place at the Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University May 17-19. The program is a Christel DeHaan Legacy concert and aims to celebrate a multi-year partnership between the ICO and Dance Kaleidoscope.
“It has been a dream of mine to choreograph the New World Symphony for over a decade, so to have the opportunity to finally realize this dream with the fabulous live music of the ICO is beyond my imagination!” Stewart Lewis, associate artistic director for Dance Kaleidoscope, said in a statement.
The ICO welcomes guest conductor Andrés Lopera, who said he is “honored and excited” to lead the orchestra.
The program itself will feature four pieces — three of which include choreography from Dance Kaleidoscope — including “Prelude to the Afternoon of Faun” by Debussy, Symphony No.9, Op. 95 in E minor (also called “New World Symphony”) by Dvořák, “Adagio for Strings” by Barber and “Overture to The Magic Flute” by Mozart.
“The dance is an exploration of the artistic process and the actualization of an artist through their craft — the act of discovering the art form, the many years of studying, and mastering its techniques, and the ever-present source of inspiration that drives artists to continue their passion,” Stewart said.
“New World” features three distinct choreographic voices — including Associate Director Stuart Lewis’ work, ‘A Leaf’s Devotion to the Sun’ which is to the “New World Symphony,” according to Joshua Blake Carter, Dance Kaleidoscope’s Christel DeHaan artistic director and choreographer.
The performance, which is also a world premiere, Carter said, aims to take viewers on a journey that amplifies the score through movement.
“The combination of music and movement is powerful, and I’m pleased to continue Dance Kaleidoscope’s partnership with Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra,” Carter said in a statement. “Audiences will be captivated by the interplay between the dancers and the orchestra, each feeding off the other’s energy to create moments of pure magic.”
“New World” takes place at the Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University on May 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. and May 19 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $35-45 and can be purchased at icomusic.org or by calling the ICO office at 317-940-9607. For more information about Dance Kaleidoscope, visit dancekal.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
