George Balanchine

Balanchine’s collaboration with composer Igor Stravinsky produced some of his most iconic works, including the mesmerizing Stravinsky Violin Concerto. Forgoing narrative in favor of pure movement, Balanchine invites audiences on a journey of emotion and expression. The ballet’s quiet yet emotive nature allows a spectrum of emotions to unfold, from vulnerability to celebration. The outer sections of the concerto, meticulously crafted with symmetry and precision, serve as a canvas for two of Balanchine’s most ingenious and unique pas de deux.

Photo by Kristina Zaidner

Edwaard Liang

Created for the Houston Ballet, Murmuration was inspired by the flight patterns of starlings, with hundreds of birds moving through the sky as one. Performed on a bare stage, Murmuration included various combinations of swooping, swirling dancers, from duets to full corps. One sequence near the end of the piece, a cycle of intricate repeated patterns, was perhaps the most exciting moment of the dance season. Set to Ezio Bosso’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Esoconcerto. 
Murmuration continues to thrill audiences, earning enthusiastic, lengthy, and well-deserved standing ovations after every performance.