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A group of dancers in Swan Lake

STARRY NIGHTS AT STANFORD LIVE

STARRY NIGHTS AT STANFORD LIVE

Starry Nights at Stanford Live

July 26 – 27, 2024
Frost Amphitheater, Stanford University campus

Swan Lake Act II

CHOREOGRAPHER
Helgi Tomasson

COMPOSER
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Three Preludes (SF Ballet premiere)

CHOREOGRAPHER
Ben Stevenson

COMPOSER
Sergei Rachmaninoff

Variations for Two Couples

CHOREOGRAPHER
Hans van Manen

COMPOSERS
Benjamin Britten
Einojuhani Rautavaara
Stefan Kovacs Tickmayer
Astor Piazzolla

Solo

CHOREOGRAPHER
Hans van Manen

COMPOSER
Johann Sebastian Bach

5 Tango’s (SF Ballet premiere)

CHOREOGRAPHER
Hans van Manen

COMPOSER
Astor Piazzolla

*tickets sold via Stanford

SF Ballet returns to Starry Nights at Stanford Live with a full evening of repertory ranging from classical to contemporary showcasing the dynamic range of SF Ballet’s impressive roster of dancers.

Swan Lake returned in our 2024 Season to rave reviews, critical acclaim, and a series of Encore performances that captivated audiences of all ages. Act II of Tomasson’s deeply moving interpretation of the quintessential classical ballet features the visually stunning corps de ballet of swans, the beloved Cygnets (Four Little Swans), and the tender White Swan pas de deux showcasing the tragic love story between Odette and Prince Siegfried. This is a rare opportunity to experience what is arguably the most notable Act of the full-length production.

These performances at Stanford Live mark the Company premiere of Ben Stevenson’s Three Preludes. Set to Sergei Rachmaninoff's piano compositions, this captivating work blends technical prowess with emotional depth. Stevenson's choreography expertly translates the music's intricate melodies and dynamic rhythms into three movements that explore varying facets of the human experience. With its fluid transitions and expressive storytelling, Three Preludes invites the audience on a journey through the complexities of the human soul.

The evening closes with a tribute to the Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen, showcasing the nuance and elegance of his extensive oeuvre. Often dubbed “the grand master of contemporary ballet” and globally recognized for his unparalleled body of work, his hallmark inventive style will be on full display with three of his most popular works including Variations for Two Couples, Solo, and an SF Ballet premiere of 5 Tango’s set to a score by the maestro of nuevo tango, Astor Piazzolla.

This will be a memorable evening of traditional favorites and exciting Company premieres that showcase classical and contemporary themes and celebrate the dynamic range of our dancers.

San Francisco Ballet’s performances at Stanford Live are generously supported by Sue & John Diekman and Jerry Yang & Akiko Yamazaki.

Stanford Live presents a wide range of the finest performances from around the world fostering a vibrant leaning community and providing distinctive experiences through the performing arts. With its homes at Frost Amphitheater and Bing Concert Hall, Stanford Live is simultaneously a public square, a sanctuary, and a lab, drawing on the breadth and depth of Stanford University to connect performance to the significant issues, ideas, and discoveries of our time.