Ballet Hartford to Perform Excerpts of “Planets” in Middletown

It will be an energetic and imaginative performance by Ballet Hartford on Friday, May 17 amidst an elegant evening at The Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, featuring excerpts of Ballet Hartford's latest performance bill, Planets. Set to the magnificent score by Gustav Holst, this performance will be held under the stars at the beautiful estate.

The evening will feature a virtuosic series of performances inspired by the solar system’s planets, and tickets purchased for the performance will also be accompanied by one complimentary signature cocktail (ages 21+ only). Cosmos & Cocktails will also offer a beer and wine cash bar, and light hors d'oeuvres. A limited number of tickets are available at www.ballethartford.com or on Eventbrite.

Each planetary performance is being envisioned by a different choreographer, connecting music and dance to evoke planetary characteristics. The evening and performance will begin at 6:00 PM.

The Planets, Op. 32, is a seven-movement orchestral suite by the English composer Gustav Holst, written between 1914 and 1917, described recently by the New York Times as “one of the most popular orchestral pieces of the 20th century.” Each movement of the suite is named after a planet of the solar system and its supposed astrological character.

Ballet Hartford recently performed a special preview of the performance at the Connecticut Science Center, in a unique program partnership, and the full performance debut was earlier this month at the Hoffman Auditorium on the campus of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, attracting a full house and enthusiastic audience from throughout the region.

Featured choreographers for Planets include Norbert de la Cruz III (Mars), Claire Kretzschmar (Venus); Steve Rooks (Mercury); Danielle Diniz (Jupiter); Leyna Doran (Saturn); Alejandro Ulloa (Uranus); and Oliver Steele (Neptune).

Throughout the year, with professional dancers from Connecticut and across the United States, Ballet Hartford produces engaging programs that uphold tradition and celebrate innovation, highlighted by technically and artistically diverse choreographic works. The company has received national and international recognition, and continues to grow in stature with increasing acclaim from local and regional audiences.

For tickets and additional information about Ballet Hartford, visit www.ballethartford.com. To learn more about the Wadsworth Mansion, visit www.wadsworthmansion.com.