25-26 Season - Program Seven Performance Program Book

Program Seven

May 1 – 2, 2026 | Sarasota Opera House T H E S A R A S O TA B A L L E T 2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6 S E A S O N

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Margaret Barbieri Assistant Director

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Foundations of Royalty, Program Seven of The Sarasota Ballet’s 2025 – 2026 Season. This program holds a particularly special place in my heart, as each of these ballets represents not only the richness of our art form, but also moments from my own journey as a dancer.

I had the incredible opportunity to work closely and performed ballets by choreographers such as Sir Frederick Ashton, Dame Ninette de Valois, and Sir Peter Wright— artists whose vision and artistry helped define the very foundation of British ballet. To have been in the studio with them, to hear their insights firsthand, and to experience the musicality and depth they sought was both an honor and a responsibility that has stayed with me throughout my career.

There are small details I still carry with me—subtle nuances of phrasing, a gesture shaped with care, or a quiet insight into the character—that continue to inform how I approach these ballets today. Bringing these works to our stage is a privilege for me, and a way of passing on that knowledge and preserving the integrity of their vision.

It is deeply meaningful to watch our dancers embrace that same responsibility. They are not only learning choreography, but stepping into a living lineage—one that connects them directly to the great artists who created these works.

Seeing them bring their own artistry to these roles while honoring that heritage is incredibly moving.

Programs like this remind us that ballet is a living tradition—one that is continually renewed through each generation of dancers and shared anew with every audience. Thank you for joining us and for being part of that continuing story. I hope you enjoy the performance.

Warmest regards,

PROGRAM SPONSOR

Jean Weidner Goldstein In Loving Memory of Alfred Goldstein

MEDIA SPONSOR This program is funded, in part, by Sarasota County Tourist Development Revenues.

PERFORMANCE SPONSORS Birthday Offering

Richard March in Loving Memory of Helen March

Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf

Susan and James Travers

Checkmate

Bonnie and William Chapman

Karol Foss

Toby and Noel Siegel

Summertide

Brendan and Nicola Doyle

Richard and Cornelia Matson

Dr. Bart Price

CO-SPONSORS Birthday Offering

Checkmate

Summertide

Nancy and Richard Sneed

John and Rita Steele

Ineza Hart

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THE SARASOTA BALLET Director

Executive Director

Assistant Director

Iain Webb

Joseph Volpe

Margaret Barbieri

Principals Misa Kuranaga (Resident Guest Principal), Jessica Assef, Marijana Dominis, Ricardo Graziano, Ricardo Rhodes, Luke Schaufuss Junior Principal Sierra Abelardo Character Principal Ricki Bertoni First Soloist Gus Payne Soloists Samuel Gest Coryphée Kennedy Falyn Cassada, Ze Ellis, Willa Frantz, Mischa Goodman, Dominique Jenkins, Iku Okura, Bel Pickering, Annie Wilson, Paige Young Corps de Ballet Daniel Ayala, Andrew Buckley, Olivia Dugan, Camille Gentes, Jonah Glickman, Mark Hare, Ella Lau, Pasha Levy, Andrea Marcelletti, Jordan Micallef, Ben Moss, Alessandra Nova, Gabriella Schultze, Nathan Smith, Emmanuelle Watkins, Brooke Wilson Apprentices Haley Dale, Isabella Damico, Isabella Nova, Simon Plante, Trevin Ralphs, Ella Tuite

COMPANY STAFF Deputy Executive Director

General Manager

Michelle Butler

Jason W. Ettore

Finance Director Amy Miller

Senior Manager of Individual Giving Senior Manager of Donor Engagement Special Events and Board Liaison

Bryan Lewis Katherine Knowles

Development & Database Administrator Grants Manager

Leslie Van Brink Judi King Joana Mitra

Company Manager HR & Finance Administrator Finance Assistant

Barbara Epperson John Johnson William Ingramm

Executive Assistant IT Consultant Tessitura Database Administrator

Jess Abbott Heyckal Taveras Mikenna Bowers

Marketing Director Graphic Designer Digital Marketing Coordinator

Mia Fisher Zachary Mondres

Publicity & Design Coordinator Video Production & Designer

Rod Kelly

Box Office & House Manager

Maya Collins Doricha Sales Sara Kious

Chris Callahan

Box Office Associate

Octavio Martin Roman Rykine

Ballet Master Ballet Master

Artistic Staff Victoria Hulland Jessica Lang

Artistic Assistant to the Directors Toulmin & O’Neil Artist in Residence

Ethan Vail Jonathan Colon Natalie Beckham Diana Childs

Production Manager & Resident Lighting Designer Head of Wardrobe Wardrobe Assistant Stage Manager

Production Staff Doug Nicholson Zara Baroyan Carl Haan

Production Consultant Class Pianist Class Pianist

Education & Community Engagement Staff Christopher Hird Dierdre Miles Burger Isabelle Ball Risa Kaplowitz Addul Manzano

Education Director Assistant Education Director Community Engagement Manager Full-Time Faculty Full-Time Faculty

Alberto Blanco Bradley Shoemaker-Webster Lauren Avila Diane Partington Maria Ferraro

Principal of The Sarasota Ballet School Education Administrative Manager Community Engagement Administrator Full-Time Faculty Full-Time Faculty

Birthday Offering Choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton

Created in 1956 for the 25th anniversary of Sadler’s Wells Ballet—soon to

become The Royal Ballet—Birthday Offering was Sir Frederick Ashton’s tribute to founder Dame Ninette de Valois. Drawing on the grand Imperial Russian style of Petipa, which de Valois absorbed from Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, the work celebrates the tradition she shaped in Britain.

Set to Glazunov’s lush score with André Levasseur’s opulent décor of chandeliers and drapes, the ballet evokes the splendor of The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.

Seven couples make a regal entrance before a series of solos, a vigorous Polish mazurka, and the centerpiece pas de deux for Margot Fonteyn and Michael Somes. A jubilant finale crowns the tribute.

More than pageantry, Birthday Offering honors de Valois’ vision, celebrating the Company’s journey to international acclaim with brilliance and pride.

Sir Frederick Ashton Choreographer

Sir Frederick Ashton (1904–1988) was born in Ecuador and resolved to dance after seeing Anna Pavlova perform in Lima in 1917. In London he studied with Léonide Massine and later with Dame Marie Rambert, who encouraged his first choreographic ventures, including A Tragedy of Fashion (1926). After dancing briefly with Ida Rubinstein’s company, he accepted Dame Ninette de Valois’ invitation in 1935 to join her Vic-Wells Ballet as both dancer and choreographer, beginning a lifelong association with what would become The Royal Ballet.

His career extended beyond the company to opera, film, revues, and international commissions, but it was at Covent Garden, after wartime service in the RAF, that he created Symphonic Variations (1946), affirming a new postwar spirit. Over the following decades he choreographed ballets often tailored to individual dancers, among them Cinderella (1948), Daphnis and Chloe (1951), Romeo and Juliet (1955), Ondine (1958), La Fille mal gardée (1960), The Two Pigeons (1961), Marguerite and Armand (1963), and The Dream (1964).

Ashton was appointed Associate Director of The Royal Ballet in 1952 and succeeded de Valois as Director from 1963 to 1970, during which time he also created works such as Monotones II (1965), Enigma Variations (1968), A Month in the Country (1976), and the film The Tales of Beatrix Potter (1971), in which he performed as Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle.

Knighted in 1962 and later named Founder Choreographer of The Royal Ballet, Ashton left a body of work distinguished by versatility, musical sensitivity, and theatrical imagination.

Margaret Barbieri Répétiteur

Having spent 20 years as a Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet, Margaret Barbieri’s wealth of knowledge and experience has enabled her to give back to the dance community through her years as a teacher and Répétiteur.

During the last 13 years, Barbieri has staged productions for The Sarasota Ballet by some of the most important names in ballet, including Ashton, de Valois, Wright, and Fokine. In addition to staging ballets for the Company, Barbieri is also Assistant Director. Her other staging credits include Iñaki Urlezaga Company (Argentina), K-Ballet (Japan), Oregon Ballet Theatre, Scottish Ballet, and Tbilisi Ballet Theatre.

Part of Ashton Worldwide Festival 2024 - 2028

BIRTHDAY OFFERING IS PERFORMED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE FREDERICK ASHTON FOUNDATION AND ARE THREE OF OVER 100 BALLETS CREATED BY FREDERICK ASHTON (1904 – 1988). THESE PERFORMANCES ARE PRESENTED AS PART OF THE ASHTON WORLDWIDE 2024-2028 FESTIVAL. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, VISIT FREDERICKASHTON.ORG.UK

Checkmate Choreography by Dame Ninette de Valois

Choreographed by Dame Ninette de Valois in 1937, Checkmate is among the

most enduring works of The Royal Ballet’s early repertory. Though de Valois is best remembered as founder, this ballet reveals her instinct for dramatic storytelling and her drive to shape a distinctly English style.

Set to a commanding score and libretto by Arthur Bliss, Checkmate transforms a game of chess into a stark allegory of Love versus Death. Drawing on English folk traditions and Expressionist theatre, with bold designs by E. McKnight Kauffer, the ballet opens with Love and Death as symbolic players. The Red side—Love—faces the sinister Black forces, led by the elegant yet lethal Black Queen.

When the Red Knight succumbs to her spell, his failure leads to the downfall of Love. The Black Queen’s merciless killing of the Red King seals the inevitable checkmate, a chilling conclusion to this powerful allegory.

Dame Ninette de Valois Choreographer

Dame Ninette de Valois (1898–2001) is widely credited with establishing a native British ballet tradition through the creation of The Royal Ballet, alongside her contemporary and colleague Dame Marie Rambert. Born Edris Stannus in County Wicklow, Ireland, she began dancing at age 10, studied with Enrico Cecchetti, and worked in pantomime, revue, and opera before joining the Massine-Lopokhova company in 1922 and Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in 1923. She legally adopted her stage name in 1921, when dancers were expected to appear French or Russian.

In 1926 de Valois opened her Academy of Choreographic Art in London, and two years later was invited by Lilian Baylis to provide dancers for the Old Vic. By 1931 she had closed her school to become resident at Baylis’s newly reopened Sadler’s Wells Theatre, where she founded the Vic-Wells Ballet, which evolved into Sadler’s Wells Ballet and, in 1956, The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden.

As director, teacher, and choreographer, de Valois nurtured the talents of Margot Fonteyn, Robert Helpmann, Frederick Ashton, Moira Shearer, and many others. Before turning primarily to administration, she created important ballets including Job (1931), The Rake’s Progress (1935), and Checkmate (1937), often drawing on English themes and composers to develop a distinctively national style.

Her vision culminated in The Royal Ballet’s triumphant 1949 U.S. tour, which established the company internationally. Known affectionately as “Madam,” she continued to influence the company long after her 1963 retirement. De Valois received countless honors and remained a formidable presence in ballet until her death at 102.

Margaret Barbieri Répétiteur

Having spent 20 years as a Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet, Margaret Barbieri’s wealth of knowledge and experience has enabled her to give back to the dance community through her years as a teacher and Répétiteur.

During the last 13 years, Barbieri has staged productions for The Sarasota Ballet by some of the most important names in ballet, including Ashton, de Valois, Wright, and Fokine. In addition to staging ballets for the Company, Barbieri is also Assistant Director. Her other staging credits include Iñaki Urlezaga Company (Argentina), K-Ballet (Japan), Oregon Ballet Theatre, Scottish Ballet, and Tbilisi Ballet Theatre.

In honor of Dame Ninette de Valois DAME NINETTE DE VALOIS’ CHECKMATE IS PERFORMED WITH PERMISSION OF THE ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL. FOUNDED BY DAME NINETTE DE VALOIS, THE ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL TRAINS AND EDUCATES OUTSTANDING CLASSICAL BALLET DANCERS, WHILE ALSO PRESERVING THE RICH HERITAGE AND LEGACIES OF BRITISH BALLET.

Summertide

Choreography by Sir Peter Wright

Sir Peter Wright’s Summertide closes the Season in celebration of the

choreographer’s 100th birthday on November 25, 2026. First created in the late 1970s for Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, this abstract ballet captures the spirit of Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Its three movements unfold like a summer’s day—from the freshness of morning, through the warmth of afternoon, to the brilliance of night.

Long thought lost, Summertide was revived through a fortunate discovery. Before its 2015 American Company Premiere, The Sarasota Ballet searched without success for materials, until Doug Nicholson of Birmingham Royal Ballet uncovered a film and partial notation. With these, Wright collaborated with Director Iain Webb and Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri to re-create the ballet.

Set to Mendelssohn’s rhapsodic score, Summertide glows with Wright’s musicality and elegance. Its revival honors one of Britain’s great ballet masters and restores a luminous gem to the stage.

Sir Peter Wright Choreographer

Sir Peter Wright (b. 1926) began his professional career during World War II with Ballets Jooss, later dancing with several companies before joining Sadler’s Wells Theatre Ballet, where he created his first ballet, A Blue Rose (1957). In 1959 he became Ballet Master for Sadler’s Wells Opera and a teacher at The Royal Ballet School.

In 1961 he moved to Stuttgart as Ballet Master and teacher for John Cranko’s new company, choreographing works including The Mirror Walkers, Namouna, and Quintet.

There he staged his first Giselle, later produced for The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and companies worldwide. His acclaimed interpretations of The Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker have become staples of international repertory.

He also directed television ballets and choreographed West End musicals and revues.

Returning to The Royal Ballet in 1969 as Associate to the Directors, Wright became Associate Director before his 1977 appointment as Director of Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet.

He led the company’s move to Birmingham in 1990, transforming it into Birmingham Royal Ballet, and retired as Director Laureate in 1995.

Wright’s many honors include the Evening Standard Award for Ballet (1981), a CBE (1985), knighthood (1993), and the Critics’ Circle Award (1995). He holds honorary doctorates from London and Birmingham universities, is a Fellow of Birmingham Conservatoire, President of the Benesh Institute, and a Vice President of the Royal Academy of Dance.

A distinguished teacher, director, and choreographer, Wright remains one of the most respected custodians of the classical ballet tradition.

Margaret Barbieri Répétiteur

Having spent 20 years as a Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet, Margaret Barbieri’s wealth of knowledge and experience has enabled her to give back to the dance community through her years as a teacher and Répétiteur.

During the last 13 years, Barbieri has staged productions for The Sarasota Ballet by some of the most important names in ballet, including Ashton, de Valois, Wright, and Fokine. In addition to staging ballets for the Company, Barbieri is also Assistant Director. Her other staging credits include Iñaki Urlezaga Company (Argentina), K-Ballet (Japan), Oregon Ballet Theatre, Scottish Ballet, and Tbilisi Ballet Theatre.

Performed in honor of Sir Peter Wright's 100th Birthday

Friday and Saturday Evening

Birthday Offering Choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton Music by Alexander Glazunov Costume Design by André Levasseur Lighting Design by Ethan Vail Staged by Margaret Barbieri Conducted by Ormsby Wilkins Premiered by The Sadler’s Wells Ballet | May 5, 1956 First Performed by The Sarasota Ballet | February 1, 2013 Principals Misa Kuranaga Ricardo Rhodes Entrée and Adage All Cast Elaine Fifield Solo Kennedy Falyn Cassada

Nadia Nerina Solo Pasha Levy

Rowena Jackson Solo Dominique Jenkins

Violetta Elvin Solo Iku Okura

Svetlana Beriosova Solo Gabriella Schultze

Beryl Grey Solo Marijana Dominis

Margot Fonteyn Solo Misa Kuranaga

Gus Payne

Men’s Mazurka Ricardo Rhodes Ze Ellis Jonah Glickman McKibben Needham Nathan Smith Jordan Micallef Pas de Deux Misa Kuranaga Ricardo Rhodes Finale All Cast

Friday and Saturday Evening

Checkmate Choreography by Dame Ninette de Valois Music by Sir Arthur Bliss Costume Designs by E. McKnight Kauffer Lighting Design by Ethan Vail Staged by Margaret Barbieri Conducted by Ormsby Wilkins Premiered by The Vic-Wells Ballet | June 15, 1937 First Performed by The Sarasota Ballet | November 28, 2008

Love Jessica Assef

Death Christopher Hird Black Queen Sierra Abelardo

Red King Ricki Bertoni

Red Queen Dominique Jenkins

1st Red Knight Samuel Gest

2nd Red Knight Jordan Micallef

Red Castles Andrea Marcelletti Mark Hare

Black Knights Trevin Ralphs Nathan Smith

Red Bishops Andrew Buckley Daniel Ayala

Black Castles McKibben Needham Gavin Talbot

Red Pawns Kennedy Falyn Cassada Camille Gentes Jacqueline Sanders Annie Wilson Isabella Damico Gabriella Schultze Noa Dean Paige Young Black Pawns Alessandra Nova Ella Tuite Lily Grace Patterson Isabella Nova Ella Lau Olivia Dugan Haley Dale Emmanuelle Watkins

Friday and Saturday Evening

Summertide Choreography by Sir Peter Wright Music by Felix Mendelssohn Costume Design by Dick Bird Lighting Design by Ethan Vail Staged by Margaret Barbieri Conducted by Ormsby Wilkins Solo Pianist Emily Wong Premiered by The Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet | October 12, 1976 First Performed by The Sarasota Ballet | November 20, 2015

1ST MOVEMENT

Ricardo Rhodes Ze Ellis Jonah Glickman Pasha Levy Gus Payne Iku Okura Jordan Micallef

2ND MOVEMENT

Marijana Dominis Ricardo Rhodes Simon Plante Nathan Smith

3RD MOVEMENT

All Cast Plus Brooke Wilson Willa Frantz

941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org Sierra Abelardo and Samuel Gest | Photo by Matthew Holler

Program One

October 23 - 25, 2026 | FSU Center Gemma Bond's Manner (Company Premiere) Sir Frederick Ashton's Divertissements Dominic Walsh’s Wolfgang for Webb

Program Two

November 20 - 21, 2026 | Sarasota Opera House

ACCOMPANIED BY THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Solitaire (Company Premiere) Jessica Lang’s Lyric Pieces Alexei Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition (Company Premiere)

Program Three

December 18 - 19, 2026 | Van Wezel

ACCOMPANIED BY THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

Christopher Wheeldon’s Within the Golden Hour (Company Premiere) Sir Frederick Ashton’s The Two Pigeons

Program Four

January 29 - February 1, 2027 | FSU Center George Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations Ashley Page’s The Pump Room and Walking in the Heat (Company Premieres) Paul Taylor’s Mercuric Tidings (Company Premiere)

Program Five

February 26 - March 1, 2027 | FSU Center Paul Taylor Dance Company Presented by The Sarasota Ballet

Program Six

March 26 - 27, 2027 | Van Wezel

ACCOMPANIED BY THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

Sir Frederick Ashton's Romeo and Juliet

Program Seven

April 30 - May 1, 2027 | Sarasota Opera House

ACCOMPANIED BY THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

Marius Petipa’s The Kingdom of the Shades (From La Bayadère) (Company Premiere) Dame Ninette de Valois' The Rake’s Progress Antony Tudor’s Gala Performance

Saturday Matinee

Birthday Offering Choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton Music by Alexander Glazunov Costume Design by André Levasseur Lighting Design by Ethan Vail Staged by Margaret Barbieri Conducted by Ormsby Wilkins Premiered by The Sadler’s Wells Ballet | May 5, 1956 First Performed by The Sarasota Ballet | February 1, 2013 Principals

Marijana Dominis

Ricardo Graziano

Entrée and Adage

All Cast

Elaine Fifield Solo

Nadia Nerina Solo

Rowena Jackson Solo

Violetta Elvin Solo

Svetlana Beriosova Solo

Beryl Grey Solo

Annie Wilson

Sierra Abelardo

Camille Gentes

Ella Lau

Willa Frantz

Iku Okura

Margot Fonteyn Solo

Marijana Dominis Men’s Mazurka

Ricardo Graziano Trevin Ralphs Mark Hare Jordan Micallef Simon Plante Andrew Buckley Andrea Marcelletti Pas de Deux

Marijana Dominis

Ricardo Graziano

Finale

All Cast

Saturday Matinee

Checkmate Choreography by Dame Ninette de Valois Music by Sir Arthur Bliss Costume Designs by E. McKnight Kauffer Lighting Design by Ethan Vail Staged by Margaret Barbieri Conducted by Ormsby Wilkins Premiered by The Vic-Wells Ballet | June 15, 1937 First Performed by The Sarasota Ballet | November 28, 2008

Love Jessica Assef

Death Christopher Hird Black Queen Brooke Wilson

Red King Ricki Bertoni

Red Queen Ella Lau

1st Red Knight Ricardo Rhodes

2nd Red Knight Jonah Glickman

Red Castles Andrew Buckley Daniel Ayala

Black Knights Ze Ellis Simon Plante

Red Bishops Max Berg Gregory Dempsey

Black Castles McKibben Needham Gavin Talbot

Red Pawns Kennedy Falyn Cassada Camille Gentes Annie Wilson Isabella Damico Jacqueline Sanders Gabriella Schultze Noa Dean Paige Young Black Pawns Alessandra Nova Ella Tuite Lily Grace Patterson Isabella Nova Rileigh Benn Kerry Shannon Haley Dale Emmanuelle Watkins

Saturday Matinee

Summertide Choreography by Sir Peter Wright Music by Felix Mendelssohn Costume Design by Dick Bird Lighting Design by Ethan Vail Staged by Margaret Barbieri Conducted by Ormsby Wilkins Solo Pianist Emily Wong Premiered by The Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet | October 12, 1976 First Performed by The Sarasota Ballet | November 20, 2015

1ST MOVEMENT

Ricardo Graziano Nathan Smith Ze Ellis Kennedy Falyn Cassada Mark Hare Dominique Jenkins Andrea Marcelletti

2ND MOVEMENT

Sierra Abelardo Ricardo Graziano Simon Plante Trevin Ralphs

3RD MOVEMENT

All Cast Plus Alessandra Nova Ella Tuite

VIOLIN Daniel Jordan

PICCOLO Allison DeFrancesco

concertmaster

Jennifer Best Takeda

assistant concertmaster

Michael Turkell principal second

Meghan Jones

assistant principal second

Katherine Baloff Felicia Brunelle Anne Chandra Nick Eanet ChungYon Hong Leah Latorraca Sean O’Neil Max Tan Shawna Trost Margot Zarzycka Whitelaw VIOLA Stephanie Block

OBOE Nicholas P. Arbolino acting principal

Sooyoung Kim

assistant principal

Peter Ayuso Nathan Frantz

HARP Phoebe Powell

principal

Daniel Parrette

assistant principal

Calvin Falwell BASSOON Fernando Traba principal

principal

Samuel Dugo

assistant principal

FLUTE Betsy Hudson Traba principal Carmen Newell Bannon Allison DeFrancesco

KEYBOARD Jonathan Spivey principal

LIBRARY Katie Knox principal

HORN Joshua Horne

assistant principal

Paul Greitzer

co-principal

Hugo Bliss co-principal

TRUMPET Robby Garrison

DOUBLE BASS John Miller

principal

Matthew Matheny

Christopher Schnell Isabelle Besançon Chizuko Matsusaka

principal

CLARINET Bharat Chandra

Shea Kells-Murphy Jonathan Bruzon

assistant principal

PERCUSSION Marcelina Suchocka Hanna Kim Gordon Fry Matt Kibort

CELLO Natalie Helm principal

principal

ENGLISH HORN SooYoung Kim

principal

Matt Pegis

TUBA Nate Seman

co-principal

Clinton McLendon acting co-principal

TROMBONE Brad Williams principal

Austin Canon Marc Morgan

The Musicians of the Sarasota Orchestra are proudly represented by the American Federation of Musicians, Gulf Coast Local 427-721

Ormsby Wilkins Guest Conductor

A native of Sydney, Australia, Ormsby Wilkins joined American Ballet Theatre as its Music Director in November 2005.

After taking his music studies at the Conservatories of Sydney and Melbourne, Wilkins joined The Australian Ballet and became Resident Conductor in 1982. Moving to Europe in 1983, he was appointed Conductor with England’s Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet (now called the Birmingham Royal Ballet).

Wilkins continued his association with The Australian Ballet, having been invited to guest on many occasions for its extensive engagements, which have included those in the United States, Russia, and London, England. Other international engagements have included La Scala, Milan, the Rome Opera Ballet, the Ballet of Teatro San Carlo of Naples, and the Royal Swedish Ballet.

In 2001, he spent three months in Italy conducting once again at La Scala and making his debuts in both Genoa and at the Teatro Comunale in Florence.

Most recently, Wilkins has also made guest appearances with The Sarasota Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Miami City Ballet.

Wilkins has conducted many orchestras around the world, both in association with ballet and in concert. They include the Philharmonia and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras of London, the Royal Opera House Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Edmonton Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Melbourne Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, and National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa.

Emily Wong Pianist

Award-winning composer/pianist Emily Wong currently serves as principal pianist with the American Ballet Theater. Critics have portrayed her playing as passionate, The New York Times characterizing performances as “clean and rhythmically charged” and “played beautifully”, while Phil Collins of the Santa Cruz Sentinel wrote “She swept through the work with a magic wand…the dazzle was in itself splendid.”

She has worked with many choreographers in assisting with new works, including Alexei Ratmansky, Chris Wheeldon, Liam Scarlett, and Jessica Lang.

Receiving commissions for her own music, works have been performed by prestigious festivals, symphony orchestras, and chamber groups across the country. Emily is thrilled to be back in Sarasota!

Season Supporters Luminary Circle $100,000+ Our Special Angel Jan and Bill Farber Sydney Goldstein Jean Weidner Goldstein

In Loving Memory of Alfred Goldstein

Patricia A. Golemme Bill and Linda Mitchell Paul and Sharon Steinwachs Benefactor Circle $75,000 - $99,999 Sandra and Neil DeFeo Mark Famiglio Pat and Ann Kenny Mercedita OConnor In Loving Memory of Bob and Jeanne Zabelle Guardian Circle $50,000 - $74,999 Shari and Steve Ashman Karol Foss Robin and Roy Grossman Sherry and Mike Guthrie Julie A. Harris Charlie Huisking, Huisking Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County Robin Klein-Strauss and Michael Strauss Harry Leopold and Audrey Robbins Frank and Katherine Martucci Charmian and Earl Noel Connoisseur Circle $25,000 - $49,999 Bob and Ginger Bailey Bonnie and William Chapman Warren and Marie Colbert Wendy and Jim Cox Robert Crandall and Barbara Bankoff Gifts are current as of April 22, 2026

Brendan and Nicola Doyle Linda A. Fiorelli Alison Gardner and Jan Sirota Joe and Mary Kay Henson Bill and Christie Krugler Richard March In Loving Memory of Helen March

Richard and Cornelia Matson Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf Stu and Gini Peltz Kimberley A. Pelyk Dr. Bart Price Toby and Noel Siegel Hillary Steele Maureen and Tom Steiner Dr. David Sugar Jackie and Glenn Tilton Susan and James Travers David Welle and Rosemary Reinhardt Susan and Charles Wilson Aficionado Circle $15,000 - $24,999 James and Maryann Armour Family Foundation Isabel A. Becker Darlene J. and Richard P. Carroll Kay Delaney and Murray Bring JoAnn Heffernan Heisen Barbara Jacob Richard S. Johnson Tina and Rick Lieberman Joan Mathews Michael P. and Elizabeth D. Murphy Dorothy O'Brien and Richard Antoine Marilyn and Steve Rothschild Ellen and Richard Sandor

John and Rita Steele Greg and Belle Stikeleather Lois Stulberg Thomas and Gwendolyn Watson Jared Winters Patron Circle $10,000 - $14,999 Paul Allen George Allison and Alan Watkins Jenne K Britell, PhD Lawrence and Joan Castellani Laura Feder Frances D. Fergusson and John Bradbury Pam and Duncan Goldie-Morrison Dedrea A. Greer Jane C. Gould and Stephen W. Fillo Ineza Hart Elaine Keating In Loving Memory of Dr. Sidney Katz

Michael and Barbara Landy Barbara and Stephen Mason Stephania and James McClennen Carla and Michael Miller Keith F. Nelson and Judith K. Marquis Gail and Skip Sack Rich and Clare Segall Arthur Siciliano and B. Aline Blanchard Nancy and Richard Sneed Julie G. Swanger Melliss Kenworthy Swenson In Loving Memory of Curt Swenson

Hélène and Phil Tucker Jean Volpe Maria and Jim Wilson Devotee Circle $5,000 - $9,999 Peggy and Ken Abt Kay Aidlin In Loving Memory of Stephen Aidlin

Sara and Robert Arthur In Honor of Ben Stevenson

Margaret Barbieri Katherine Benoit and John Brooks Duncan and Susan Brown Lois and Jim Champy Robert Cook and Daniel Anthon Robin and Chase Curtis Syble and Peter DiGirolamo Rosalyn and Joel Ehrenpreis Bruce Ensinger and Clark Denham Ping Faulhaber Barbara Fischer Long and James Long William C. and Joyce K. Fletcher Herman and Sharon Frankel Ellen Goldman Dr. Amy L. Harding Marilyn Harwell Trust Alastair Hunter-Henderson and Noralyn Marshall Stephen and Lila Huse Ann Jackson Merrill Kaegi Linda Z. Klein Peter and Melody Kretzmer Gerda Maceikonis Carolou and Lou Marquet Robert and Sharon McMillan Patrick McNamee and Sandra Young Mary Ann and John Meyer Carolyn Michel In Loving Memory of Howard Millman

Howard and Barbara Noble, Jr. Peter and Joanne Powers Rose Marie Proietti Pamela Revels Shelley Roisen Bob and Diane Roskamp Sam Samelson and Marion Levine

Amy Schachter

In Loving Memory of Oscar Schachter

Gabriel and Valerie Schmergel Micki Sellman In Loving Memory of Jerry Sellman

Nancy Smith Diana Smith and Barry Cohen Libby and Jon Soderberg Gordon Stanley Swanson and Kutner Family Fund Ed Town and Steve Rubin Sallie Carter Tyler Diana Chapman Walsh Susan and Lewis Winarsky Richard Wires Charles O. Wood, III and Miriam M. Wood Foundation Merrill and Sheila Wynne-APRIO, LLP Sora Yelin Golden Circle $2,500 - $4,999 Alexandra Armstrong In Loving Memory of Jerry McCoy

Carol Arscott Margaret and Isaac Barpal Jerry and Helga Bilik Jerry and Gay Bowles Alan Cohen

In Loving Memory of Natalie Cohen

Fred and Lynda Doery Jenny and Lee Duffey John and Patricia Dupps Barbara and Bill Epperson Donna Jill Feldman Laurie Fitch Kevin Fulcher and Kim Deme-Fulcher Patsy and Ed Garno Alfred Cope Garrett In Loving Memory of Anne W. Garrett

Gifts are current as of April 22, 2026

Pat and David Goldrich Marshall Greenwald and Catherine Cooper Charles Hamilton and Miriam Lockhart Nancy and John Harris Moira Hintsa Anne E. Jones Ronald and Rita Karns Maryann Kolb and Greg Goebel Dr. Bart and Joan Levenson Melvy Erman Lewis Meg Maguire Elenor Maxheim Bonnie McIntyre In Loving Memory of Bill Noonan

Margaret Melun and Lt. Col. Ky L. Thompson Deanne and Jim Naples Tara Olson and Will Dunkak Roxanne Permesly Jeffrey Peterson Megan Powers Victor and Joyce Rendano Susan L. Robinson Dona and Sam Scott Susan Serling and David Kessler Noreene Storrie and Wesley G. McCain Charlotte and John Suhler Jacqueline and John Thompson Alair A. Townsend Emily Walsh Lynn Winslow

The Sarasota Ballet gratefully acknowledges the following individuals for their generous support for the performance, education, and community programs of The Sarasota Ballet.

Institutional Support Public Support $100,000 + Tourist Development Council of Sarasota County

Foundation Support $100,000+ Phillip & Janice Levin Foundation William A. Farber, Trustee

$75,000 - $99,999 Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

$50,000 - $74,999 Jean Allenby Goldstein Touring Fund Muriel O'Neil Fund for the Performing Arts at CFSC Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Shubert Foundation, Inc. Community Foundation Sarasota County Gulf Coast Community Foundation Jean Weiller Foundation Charitable Fund

$1,000 - $2,499 Cousins Laning Foundation Fay A. Schweim Memorial Children's Dance Fund Gulf Coast Italian Culture Society, Inc. The Johnson Singer Arts and Education Fund

Corporate Support $15,000 - $24,999 Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

$10,000 - $14,999 Northern Trust Michael's On East Palm Printing

$5,000 - $9,999

Lela D. Jackson Foundation for the Arts

1st Source Bank Beneva Cumberland Advisors Circus Arts Conservatory Fifth Third Bank Freed of London Laughlin Tanner Group McCarver & Moser Jewelers The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Bay Club

$10,000 - $14,999

$2,500 - $4,999

$25,000 - $49,999 Bank of America Client Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation The Exchange

$15,000 - $24,999

Bishop-Parker Foundation Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999 Charles Henry Leach II Fund at Duquesne University Jerome Robbins Foundation Suncoast Credit Union Foundation Women's Outreach Ministry Church of the Redeemer Women In Philanthropy of Sarasota

$2,500 - $4,999 Gilbert Waters Charitable Fund II Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc. Gifts are current as of April 22, 2026

Concierge Medical Services Eurotech Cabinetry, Inc. Morton’s Gourmet Market & Catering Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay Rugs as Art Sarasota Polo Club Selva Grill Senior Friendship Centers Wear Moi Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

$1,000 - $2,499 BookStore1Sarasota Justice Pays UBS Costal Partners

Summer

Programs

The Sarasota Ballet offers summer programs for all ages for ballet enthusiasts looking to grow, refine technique, and enjoy the art of dance.

Summer

Intensive

June 22 - July 25, 2026

The Sarasota Ballet Summer Intensive is designed for dancers ages 12-21 to holistically develop every student’s technique alongside artistry.

Junior

Intensive

June 8 - 19, 2026

The Junior Intensive is designed for dancers ages 8-12 eager to grow both technically and artistically, offering a dynamic and engaging summer experience.

Summer

Camps

June 1- July 3, 2026 Our Summer Camps for ages 3–7 spark creativity and imagination through fun, themed weeks filled with dancing, crafts, storytelling, and movement exploration!

Adult

Intensive June 1 - 5, 2026

Our Adult Intensive is designed especially for adult ballet enthusiasts! Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, challenge yourself, or simply immerse in the joy of ballet, this program offers a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants.

Train with the Best!

941.487.8763 | Sarasotaballet.org

Make a Difference

Play a

Principal Role

The Sarasota Ballet’s performances, education programs, and community

engagement are made possible each year through the generosity of foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Ticket sales alone cover only a portion of the cost of producing the extraordinary ballets you see on stage. It is through philanthropic support that we are able to preserve ballet’s greatest legacies, commission innovative new works, and bring accessible arts education to people of all ages in our community.

The Sarasota Ballet Company • Repertoire Spanning from Beloved Classics to World Premieres • Live Music Accompaniment and Guest Conductors • National and International Company Tours • Guest Choreographers and Répétiteurs • Presenting Dance Companies

Dance Education • The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory • The Sarasota Ballet School • Summer Intensive • Summer Camps • Adult Workshops

Community Engagement • Dance – The Next Generation • School Performances and Programs • Community Experiences • Joyful Movement Through Parkinson’s • Silver Swans®

Every gift to The Sarasota Ballet helps inspire, preserve, and impact.

SCAN HERE TO LEARN ABOUT OUR GIVING CIRCLES

Development@sarasotaballet.org | 941.225.6510

T H E SA R A S OTA BA L L E T B OA R D O F D I R EC TO R S 2025 - 2026 S eason Board Chair Board Vice Chair Treasurer Secretary

Sh a r i As hman G i n g e r Ca n n on B ai l e y Wi lli a m E. Chap man I I Wa r re n R . Col b er t , S r.

Wi lli a m A . Far b er Pa tr i c i a A . G ol em m e R o bi n G ros s man Ju l i e A. H ar r i s R i c h a rd S . J ohns on

Founder / Chair Emerita Chair Emerita Honorary Trustees

Sandra DeFeo Charles Wilson Pat Kenny Maureen Steiner

Fr ank M ar tucci Li nd a M itchell R os em ar y O ber ndor f M erced i ta O Connor Au d re y R obbi ns J an S i rota H i l l ar y S teele J u l i e Sw anger

Jean Weidner Goldstein Sydney Goldstein Mark Famiglio Dr. Bart Price

A DV I S O RY C O U NC I L

J a n Fa r b er M a r y a n n A r m ou r L a u r a A. Fed er Fr a n c e s D. Ferg u s s on D r. A my L . H ard i ng C h a r l i e H u i s k i ng R o bi n K le i n - S t r au s s Pe te r E. K ret zm er K a re n Li cht i g

Ti na L i eber m an R i chard M arch J oan M athe w s H ow ard Noble Gi ni Peltz K i mb er l e y A nne Pely k J ef f re y Peter son R i cha rd S egall Loi s S tulberg

THE SARASOTA BALLET

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TOURS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF IAIN WEBB JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL JULY 2025 Ted Shawn Theatre, Becket, Massachusetts ASHTON CELEBRATED JUNE 2024 The Royal Opera House, London, UK THE JOYCE THEATER AUGUST 2022 Joyce Theater, New York, US THE JOYCE THEATER AUGUST 2018 Joyce Theater, New York, US GUGGENHEIM WORKS & PROCESS NOVEMBER 2017 Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City NATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHIC FESTIVAL MAY 2017 Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City, Utah, US ARCADIA CENTENNIAL AUGUST 2016 Criterion Theatre, Bar Harbor, Maine, US THE JOYCE THEATER AUGUST 2016 Joyce Theater, New York, US FALL FOR DANCE FESTIVAL OCTOBER 2015 New York City Center, New York City JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL AUGUST 2015 Ted Shawn Theatre, Becket, Massachusetts FALL FOR DANCE FESTIVAL OCTOBER 2014 New York City Center, New York City BALLET ACROSS AMERICA III JUNE 2013 John F. Kennedy Center, Washington DC THE SUZANNE FARREL BALLET OCTOBER 2011 John F. Kennedy Center, Washington DC

941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org