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CHOREOGRAPHY | Stephen Mills
MUSIC | Antonín Dvořák, Bryce Dessner
LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT | Austin Symphony Orchestra
Featuring Quattro Mani
Susan Grace & Steven Beck (pianos)

Commissioned by Dr. Rosanne Butera, Chiropractor

Following the success of POE / A Tale of Madness, Stephen Mills presents a World Premiere in two parts! We celebrate the arrival of the season of wildflowers and renewal as Stephen Mills shares a pair of new works.

The first work is set to Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s “String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96.” Nicknamed the American Quartet, Dvořák wrote this piece while enjoying a summer vacation in Spillville, Iowa. Completed in only thirteen days, this was Dvořák’s second attempt at writing a quartet in F major. Featuring live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the moving melodies of Dvořák’s composition evoke the exuberant feelings of springtime.

The second piece on the program features the music of contemporary composer and Grammy award-winning artist Bryce Dessner: guitarist, keyboardist, and songwriter for his band, The National. Called “a vital and rare force in new music,” Dessner’s compositions have been performed by Orchestre de Paris, BBC Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and many more. He has worked with a variety of artists, including Philip Glass, Paul Simon, Bon Iver, and Taylor Swift on her song “Coney Island.” Dessner’s “Concerto for Two Pianos,” written for and first performed by Katia and Marielle Labèque, premiered in 2018 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Dessner regularly tours with his band, including a recent performance at Austin’s Moody Center in November of 2023.

Love’s Gentle Spring unites the beauty of spring, music, and movement harmoniously in concert. 

Directions

3 Performances:

Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 p.m.

Why we recommend purchasing directly from Ballet Austin

Please visit our FAQs page for information about parking, discounts, and more.

Ballet Austin strives to share the excitement and beauty of live professional dance with as many community members as possible. *As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Ballet Austin raises funds throughout the year to help defray part of the production costs in order to bring live performances to you and keep the price of our tickets as low as possible. The following information is intended to assist you as a consumer and help you have the best experience possible.

When you purchase directly from Ballet Austin:

  • You are assured your tickets are valid, and your seats are reserved for you/your family/your party.
  • You have access to the most affordable ticket prices.*  Ballet Austin tickets can range between $20 – $125 dollars, depending on location. If you are being asked to pay more per ticket, you are NOT buying from Ballet Austin.
  • You have the flexibility to exchange your ticket/s to another performance for a small handling fee, as tickets remain available.

If you choose to purchase Ballet Austin tickets from sources other than Ballet Austin, we recommend that you:

  • Never pay cash or use apps such as Venmo to purchase tickets.
  • Verify performance dates/times and check for sold-out performances BEFORE purchasing from a third-party seller or service by visiting the Ballet Austin website.
  • Check the Long Center’s Dell Hall seating map to confirm the existence of the seats being offered to you.  

NOTE: Issues related to tickets purchased from a third-party seller will need to be discussed with that company. Ballet Austin will have no record of these sales.

Our goal for each Ballet Austin performance is to create wonderful, lasting memories for you, your family, and your friends. If you have questions, let us help you by contacting our box office at 512.476.2163 or by email at boxoffice@balletaustin.org. We look forward to seeing you soon.

GET TICKETS NOW! $20 – $105

CHOREOGRAPHY | Stephen Mills
MUSIC | Antonín Dvořák, Bryce Dessner
LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT | Austin Symphony Orchestra
Featuring Quattro Mani
Susan Grace & Steven Beck (pianos)

Commissioned by Dr. Rosanne Butera, Chiropractor

About Love's Gentle Spring

Following the success of POE / A Tale of Madness, Stephen Mills presents a World Premiere in two parts! We celebrate the arrival of the season of wildflowers and renewal as Stephen Mills shares a pair of new works.

The first work is set to Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s “String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96.” Nicknamed the American Quartet, Dvořák wrote this piece while enjoying a summer vacation in Spillville, Iowa. Completed in only thirteen days, this was Dvořák’s second attempt at writing a quartet in F major. Featuring live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the moving melodies of Dvořák’s composition evoke the exuberant feelings of springtime.

The second piece on the program features the music of contemporary composer and Grammy award-winning artist Bryce Dessner: guitarist, keyboardist, and songwriter for his band, The National. Called “a vital and rare force in new music,” Dessner’s compositions have been performed by Orchestre de Paris, BBC Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and many more. He has worked with a variety of artists, including Philip Glass, Paul Simon, Bon Iver, and Taylor Swift on her song “Coney Island.” Dessner’s “Concerto for Two Pianos,” written for and first performed by Katia and Marielle Labèque, premiered in 2018 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Dessner regularly tours with his band, including a recent performance at Austin’s Moody Center in November of 2023.

Love’s Gentle Spring unites the beauty of spring, music, and movement harmoniously in concert. 

Long Center Dell Hall

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1 hour 49 minutes

including two 20-minute intermissions

Three Performances:

Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 p.m.

Why we recommend purchasing directly from Ballet Austin

Please visit our FAQs page for information about parking, discounts, and more.

Ballet Austin strives to share the excitement and beauty of live professional dance with as many community members as possible. *As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Ballet Austin raises funds throughout the year to help defray part of the production costs in order to bring live performances to you and keep the price of our tickets as low as possible. The following information is intended to assist you as a consumer and help you have the best experience possible.

When you purchase directly from Ballet Austin:

  • You are assured your tickets are valid, and your seats are reserved for you/your family/your party.
  • You have access to the most affordable ticket prices.*  Ballet Austin tickets can range between $20 – $125 dollars, depending on location. If you are being asked to pay more per ticket, you are NOT buying from Ballet Austin.
  • You have the flexibility to exchange your ticket/s to another performance for a small handling fee, as tickets remain available.

If you choose to purchase Ballet Austin tickets from sources other than Ballet Austin, we recommend that you:

  • Never pay cash or use apps such as Venmo to purchase tickets.
  • Verify performance dates/times and check for sold-out performances BEFORE purchasing from a third-party seller or service by visiting the Ballet Austin website.
  • Check the Long Center’s Dell Hall seating map to confirm the existence of the seats being offered to you.  

NOTE: Issues related to tickets purchased from a third-party seller will need to be discussed with that company. Ballet Austin will have no record of these sales.

Our goal for each Ballet Austin performance is to create wonderful, lasting memories for you, your family, and your friends. If you have questions, let us help you by contacting our box office at 512.476.2163 or by email at boxoffice@balletaustin.org. We look forward to seeing you soon.

GET TICKETS NOW! $20-$105

VIDEO GALLERY

Videos by Paul Michael Bloodgood & Jazz Collins

VIDEO GALLERY

Videos by Paul Michael Bloodgood

ENJOY THE AUDIENCE ACTIVITIES

Footlights Sponsor

FOOTLIGHTS

Footlights is your pre-show behind-the-scenes look into what you’ll see when the curtain goes up! Learn about the production as members of the Ballet Austin Education staff share the stories and inspiration behind the work.

FREE for all Ticket Holders

Mezzanine Level, open seating

One-hour before showtime

Length of program: Approximately 25 minutes

Behind the Ballet! Sponsor

BEHIND THE BALLET!

Ballet Austin’s self-guided, interactive, discovery zone featuring all you want to know … before the show!

Behind the Ballet! is our interactive discovery lounge (like a walk-through pop-up museum) hosted by Ballet Austin’s Education Department. It has multiple stations that include everything from pointe shoes, costumes, music, and more! Behind the Ballet! changes for every production, so even if you’ve been before, be sure to visit again!

FREE for all Ticket Holders

Kodosky Lounge (2nd-Floor Mezzanine Level)

90 minutes before showtime & during intermission

POSE & POST PHOTO OPPROTUNITIES

Commemorate a fun day at the ballet at any of our photo stations! Be sure to tag us @BalletAustin and use #HeartsDesireATX! Photo stations are available 90 minutes before showtime

Three Locations:

  • Gallery 701 (Mezzanine Level)
  • Dell Lobby (Orchestra Level)
  • Outside on the H-E-B Terrace (Orchestra Level)

90 minutes before showtime & during intermission

ENCORE

Encore is a post-show conversation that gives the audience the opportunity to ask questions directly to Artistic Director Stephen Mills and invited artists. Hosted by Ballet Austin’s Education Department, audience members can either listen from their seats, or make their way to the Orchestra section if they have a question for the artists. Microphones will be set up in the Orchestra level aisles for a Q&A between audience members and the artists of the production.

FREE for all Ticket Holders

Orchestra Level, open seating

Immediately following all performances

GET TICKETS NOW! $20-$105

ENJOY THE AUDIENCE ACTIVITIES

Click to expand

Footlights is your pre-show behind-the-scenes look into what you’ll see when the curtain goes up!

Learn about the production as members of the Ballet Austin Education staff share the stories and inspiration behind the work.

FREE for all Ticket Holders

Mezzanine Level, open seating

One-hour before showtime

Length of program: Approximately 25 minutes

Footlights Sponsor

Ballet Austin’s self-guided, interactive, discovery zone featuring all you want to know … before the show!

Backstage Pass! is our interactive discovery lounge (like a walk-through pop-up museum) hosted by Ballet Austin’s Education Department. It has multiple stations that include everything from pointe shoes, costumes, music, and more!

It has multiple stations that include everything from pointe shoes, costumes, music, and more! Backstage Pass! changes for every production, so even if you’ve been before, be sure to visit again!

FREE for all Ticket Holders

Kodosky Lounge (2nd-Floor Mezzanine Level)

90 minutes before showtime & during intermission

Backstage Pass! Sponsor

Commemorate a fun day at the ballet at any of our photo stations! Be sure to tag us @BalletAustin and use #HeartsDesireATX!

Three Locations:

  • Gallery 701 (Mezzanine Level)
  • Dell Lobby (Orchestra Level)
  • Outside on the H-E-B Terrace (Orchestra Level)

90 minutes before showtime & during intermission

Encore is a post-show conversation that gives the audience the opportunity to ask questions directly to Artistic Director Stephen Mills and invited artists.

Hosted by Ballet Austin’s Education Department, audience members can either listen from their seats, or make their way to the Orchestra section if they have a question for the artists. Microphones will be set up in the Orchestra level aisles for a Q&A between audience members and the artists of the production.

FREE for all Ticket Holders

Orchestra Level, open seating

Immediately following all performances

MEET THE ARTISTS

Stephen Mills Photo

STEPHEN MILLS
Choreography

Biography

Known for his innovative and collaborative choreographic projects, Stephen Mills has created over 60 premieres for Ballet Austin and has works in the repertoires of companies across the United States and around the world.

His inaugural season as artistic director in 2000 attracted national attention with his world-premiere production of Hamlet, hailed by Dance Magazine as “… sleek and sophisticated.” The Washington Post recognized Ballet Austin as “one of the nation’s best kept ballet secrets” in 2004 after Mills’ world premiere of The Taming of the Shrew, commissioned by and performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The Company’s first Kennedy Center invitation in January of 2002 was to perform Mills’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Ballet Austin presented a variety of Mills’ works at The Joyce Theater (NYC) in 2005 and returned to the Kennedy Center in collaboration with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet in 2008 and for the Ballet Across America Festival in 2013.

In 2005 after two years of extensive research, Mills led a communitywide human rights collaboration that culminated in the world premiere work Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project (Light). In 2006 Light was awarded the Audrey & Raymond Maislin Humanitarian Award by the Anti-Defamation League. The work made its international debut in September 2013, with performances in three cities across Israel and is the subject of the award-winning documentary film, FINDING LIGHT. In October 2016, Mills led the company through a 16-city tour of the People’s Republic of China, concluding in China’s largest city, Shanghai.

READ MORE…

Antonin Dvorak Head Shot

ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK
Music

Biography

BRYCE DESSNER
Music

Biography

Bryce Dessner is a vital and rare force in new music. He has won Grammy Awards as a classical composer and with the band The National, of which he is founding member, guitarist, arranger, and co-principal songwriter. He is regularly commissioned to write for the world’s leading ensembles, from Orchestre de Paris to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and is a high-profile presence in film score composition, with credits including The Revenant, for which he was Grammy and Golden Globe nominated, Fernando Mereilles’s The Two Popes, Mike Mill’s C’mon C’mon and the forthcoming Bardo, by Alejandro González Iñárritu.

Dessner collaborates with some of today’s most creative and respected artists, including Philip Glass, Katia and Marielle Labèque, Paul Simon, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Sufjan Stevens,  Fernando Mereilles, Thom Yorke, Bon Iver, Nico Muhly, and Steve Reich, who named Dessner “a major voice of his generation.” Dessner’s orchestrations can be heard on the latest albums of Paul Simon, Bon Iver and Taylor Swift.

Bryce Dessner has had works commissioned and premiered by today’s leading conductors including Esa-Pekka Salonen, Gustavo Dudamel, Semyon Bychkov, and Santtu Matias-Rouvali. This season alone sees performances of his works by, amongst others, London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, BBC Symphony Orchestra, HR Sinfonieorchester, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and San Francisco Symphony. New works Violin Concerto – commissioned by partners including Orchestre de Paris, Philharmonia Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony – and Mari, commissioned and performed by Tonhalle Orchester Zurich, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchester, Czech Philharmonic, Oslo Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestra – have been met with widespread public and critical success.

READ MORE…

Quattro Mani Head Shot By Piano

QUATTRO MANI
Live Accompaniment

Biography

Susan Grace and Steven Beck form one of the most dynamic piano duos before today’s concert-going public. Giorgio Koukl’s EarRelevant review of their latest CD, Hallelujah Junction says “..their incredible array of capacities is strong enough to place them precisely on the top of the piano duos of today.” Fanfare’s Robert Carl writes that “Quattro Mani is one of the most enduring and leading keyboard duos anywhere” and the Boston Globe printed “Quattro Mani proved itself fearless and equal to every challenge.” The duos performances and recordings, as well as their collaborations with important composers of our time has led to numerous dedications and premieres of new repertoire, including works by George Crumb, Paul Lansky, Tod Machover, Poul Ruders, Tania León, Paul Moravec, Michael Daugherty, Ofer Ben-Amots and Fred Lerdahl.  QM’s recent CDs, Hallelujah Junction, featuring new works by American and European composers, and Inner Life dedicated to Quattro Mani by Fred Lerdahl, have been released to widespread critical acclaim. Other discs include Lounge Lizards, featuring composer Michael Daugherty, Restructures featuring Tod Machover, and a CD of Stefan Wolpe’s works for two pianos among others.

READ MORE…

MEET THE ARTISTS

Stephen Mills Photo

STEPHEN
MILLS

Choreography
Desire

Known for his innovative and collaborative choreographic projects, Stephen Mills has created over 60 premieres for Ballet Austin and has works in the repertoires of companies across the United States and around the world.

His inaugural season as artistic director in 2000 attracted national attention with his world-premiere production of Hamlet, hailed by Dance Magazine as “… sleek and sophisticated.” The Washington Post recognized Ballet Austin as “one of the nation’s best kept ballet secrets” in 2004 after Mills’ world premiere of The Taming of the Shrew, commissioned by and performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The Company’s first Kennedy Center invitation in January of 2002 was to perform Mills’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Ballet Austin presented a variety of Mills’ works at The Joyce Theater (NYC) in 2005 and returned to the Kennedy Center in collaboration with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet in 2008 and for the Ballet Across America Festival in 2013.

In 2005 after two years of extensive research, Mills led a communitywide human rights collaboration that culminated in the world premiere work Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project (Light). In 2006 Light was awarded the Audrey & Raymond Maislin Humanitarian Award by the Anti-Defamation League. The work made its international debut in September 2013, with performances in three cities across Israel and is the subject of the award-winning documentary film, FINDING LIGHT. In October 2016, Mills led the company through a 16-city tour of the People’s Republic of China, concluding in China’s largest city, Shanghai.

READ MORE…

Antonin Dvorak Head Shot

ANTONÍN
DVOŘÁK

Muic

 

Bryce Dessner Head Shot

BRYCE
DESSNER

Music

Quattro Mani Head Shot By Piano

QUATTRO MANI

Live Accompaniment

Susan Grace and Steven Beck form one of the most dynamic piano duos before today’s concert-going public. Giorgio Koukl’s EarRelevant review of their latest CD, Hallelujah Junction says “..their incredible array of capacities is strong enough to place them precisely on the top of the piano duos of today.” Fanfare’s Robert Carl writes that “Quattro Mani is one of the most enduring and leading keyboard duos anywhere” and the Boston Globe printed “Quattro Mani proved itself fearless and equal to every challenge.” The duos performances and recordings, as well as their collaborations with important composers of our time has led to numerous dedications and premieres of new repertoire, including works by George Crumb, Paul Lansky, Tod Machover, Poul Ruders, Tania León, Paul Moravec, Michael Daugherty, Ofer Ben-Amots and Fred Lerdahl.  QM’s recent CDs, Hallelujah Junction, featuring new works by American and European composers, and Inner Life dedicated to Quattro Mani by Fred Lerdahl, have been released to widespread critical acclaim. Other discs include Lounge Lizards, featuring composer Michael Daugherty, Restructures featuring Tod Machover, and a CD of Stefan Wolpe’s works for two pianos among others.

READ MORE…

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Commissioned by

DR. ROSANNE BUTERA, CHIROPRACTOR

Sponsored by

DRS. JOANN HUNTER JOHNSON & KENNETH JOHNSON

Ari Motion Logo

INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Kathie & Spike Jones

Rosie & Roger Oberg

Linda Ball & Forrest Preece

Jenna Salwen

Colby Simpson & Lauren Cunningham

Jare Smith

Endowed in part by the Short Works Commissions fund through the Ballet Austin Foundation including the generosity of:

Jennene Mashburn, in loving memory of K. Ray Mashburn

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Commissioned by
DR. ROSANNE BUTERA, CHIROPRACTOR

Sponsored by
DRS. JOANN HUNTER JOHNSON & KENNETH JOHNSON

Ari Motion Logo

INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Kathie & Spike Jones
Rosie & Roger Oberg
Linda Ball & Forrest Preece
Jenna Salwen
Colby Simpson & Lauren Cunningham
Jare Smith 

Endowed in part by the Short Works Commissions fund through the Ballet Austin Foundation including the generosity of:

Jennene Mashburn, in loving memory of K. Ray Mashburn

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