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

ÒThis is a ballet of the aristocracy,Ó wrote dance historian Nancy Reynolds. ÒCut crystal rather than diamond glitter characterizes the balletÕs delicate sparkle. It is one of BalanchineÕs purest dance creations Ð a string of dances, solos, ensembles, pas de deux Ð with muted emotional overtones.Ó Here is style without affectation, feeling without self-dramatization. And from the start, regarded as a Balanchine masterpiece.

CHOREOGRAPHY
George Balanchine
© The George Balanchine Trust

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

COSTUME DESIGN
Karinska

LIGHTING DESIGN
John Hall