Divertimento No.15

George Balanchine loved Mozart’s 15^th divertimento so deeply – he regarded it as the greatest divertimento ever composed – that he created two different ballets to it. The second, from 1956, remains in the repertories of ballet companies around the world – beloved for its elegance, its charming relaxed classicism, its melodic fluency. And for its five virtuoso ballerina roles.

“This is a ballet of the aristocracy,” wrote dance historian Nancy Reynolds. “Cut crystal rather than diamond glitter characterizes the ballet’s delicate sparkle. It is one of Balanchine’s purest dance creations – a string of dances, solos, ensembles, pas de deux – with muted emotional overtones.” Here is style without affectation, feeling without self-dramatization. And from the start, regarded as a Balanchine masterpiece.

Premiere: January 6, 1989, Bailey Concert Hall, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

The encore production of Divertimento No. 15 was made possible by a grant in memory of Sheila Natasha Simrod Friedman.

Divertimento No. 15 was made possible by a gift from a very special friend of Miami City Ballet.
The performance of Divertimento No. 15, a Balanchine® Ballet, is presented by arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust and has been produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style® and Balanchine Technique® Service Standards established and provided by the Trust.

Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust

Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Divertimento No. 15 in B-flat, K. 287-1777

Staged by Miami City Ballet

Principals staged by Philip Neal

Costume Design by Karinska

Lighting Design by John Hall