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Spring Experience 2025

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Artists of Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s Raymonda by Ernesto Galan

Spring Experience 2025

An experience that will refresh your soul.

May 15–25, 2025

Jiří Kylián Petite Mort and 27’52”
Mikko Nissinen Raymonda

27'52"

Jiří Kylián by Anton Corbijn

27’52” is made for six dancers, who form three duets. When the ballet was created, four dancers from the original cast were inspired by various poems in the creation process. Quotes from these poems are also included in the work. The ballet was developed through a unique collaboration between choreographer and composer, as German composer Dirk Haubrich created the music specifically for this piece.

“In the very title—which simply reproduces the length of the piece—rhythm and space are united in the same movement. In the score… there can be found the sensual, pared back dancing, which is the choreographer’s signature.”
–Arts and Culture

Petite Mort

Roman Rykine and Rie Ichikawa in Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort by Gene Schiavone

One of Kylián’s most beloved ballets, Petite Mort is a sensuous exploration of what it means to be human. Known for its molded skirts and sword play, it is truly one of the most provocative and beautiful works in ballet today.

“…in the moment of pleasure (…) we are reminded of the fact that our lives are of a relatively short duration, and that death is never too far from us… it is always a Mort, which accompanies our lives, sometimes it is Petite, sometimes it is Grand, but it is the most faithful companion we have, from the dawn of our existence till the end.”
–Jiří Kylián

Raymonda

Haley Schwan and Lasha Khozashvili with Artists of Boston Ballet in Mikko Nissinen’s Raymonda by Rosalie O’Connor

Mikko Nissinen has re-envisioned Marius Petipa’s Raymonda, with rechoreographed sections by Florence Clerc, Alla Nikitina, and Nissinen. The world premiere on February 22, 2024 was praised for its lavish costumes, brilliant dancing, and sumptuous score. This reimagined classical ballet delighted ballet purists with its demand for strong classical technique and bravura dancing with featured roles for the corps, soloists, and principals. The ballet stays true to Boston Ballet’s values by removing outdated and offensive stereotypes and characters and focusing solely on preserving the classical choreography.

“I have been intrigued by Raymonda for many years and am thrilled to have the opportunity to reimagine this iconic classic. I am fortunate to work with a dream team of associated artists whom I deeply respect.”
–Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen

PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 pm
Friday, May 16 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 17 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 18 at 1:30 pm
Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 pm
Friday, May 23 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, May 24 at 1:30 and 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 25 at 1:30 pm

With Appreciation

This production of Jiří Kylián’s 27’52” is generously supported by the Mikko Nissinen Artistic Fund.
Mikko Nissinen’s Raymonda was made possible by generous gifts from Lisa and Tom Blumenthal, and the Stephens Naphtal Foundation.

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Please Note: The music in some ballets may be loud depending on where you are sitting and your own comfort level. Please plan accordingly.

THE DETAILS (in program order)

Petite Mort

Choreography

Jiří Kylián

Music

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Piano Concerto in A Major – Adagio
Piano Concerto in C Major – Andante

Set Design

Jiří Kylián

Lighting Design

Joop Caboort

Lighting Adaptation

Eric Blom

Costumes

Joke Visser

Staging

Urtzi Aranburu and Shirley Esseboom

World Premiere

August 23, 1991, Nederlands Dans Theater

27’52”

Choreography

Jiří Kylián

Music

Dirk Haubrich, composition inspired by the original Ur-Version of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony nr. 10 (1910)

Costume Design

Joke Visser

Stage Design

Jiří Kylián

Lighting Design

Kees Tjebbes

Video Registration

Rob de Groot

Assistant to the Choreographer

Gerald Tibbs

World Premiere

January 2, 2002, Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT II)

Raymonda

Original Choreography

Marius Petipa

Reimagined by

Mikko Nissinen

Music

Alexander Glazunov, adapted by Mischa Santora

Additional Choreography

Florence Clerc, Alla Nikitina (Character Dances) and Mikkon Nissinen

Scenic and Costume Design

Robert Perdziola

Assistant Scenic Design

Nicholas Kostner

Lighting Design

Brandon Stirling Baker

World Premiere

February 22, 2024, Boston Ballet, Citizens Opera House, Boston, MA

Spring Experience 2025 May 15–25, 2025