NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WMOT) -- The Nasvhille Ballet will close out its season with a pair of powerful productions that call on the talents of hundreds of local artists.
The final show of the Ballet’s 30th season will include a performance of Carmina Burana with the assistance of the Nashville Symphony, the Symphony Chorus, the Nashville Children’s Chorus and guest vocalists. In all some 300 local artists support the production.
Also on the program is the world premier of Layla and Majnun. The piece is based on one of the Middle East’s most enduring love stories. Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling staged the production. Renowned American composer Richard Danielpour wrote the score.
Vasterling says he didn’t have to go far to find inspiration for the choreography.
“I connected with members of the Middle Eastern community here in Nashville and was able to get inspiration and ideas in talking to them, so I must say I learned a whole lot and was really inspired by it all.”
Vasterling says plans are already complete for the next ballet season, including, of all things, a dance set to the music of Country icon Johnny Cash.
Carmina Burana and Layla and the Majnun will begin three days of performance at TPAC’s Jackson Hall Friday, April 22.