SEDUCTION AND TRAGEDY: Philadelphia Ballet’s Mayara Pinero takes the lead in “Carmen,” one of two ballets by Angel Corella at the Academy of Music October 9-12. (Photo by Alexander Iziliaev)
Philadelphia Ballet opens its 2025/26 season with two back-to-back double bills at the Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets.
Artist Director Angel Corella’s productions of Carmen and Bolero are performed October 9-12, followed October 16-19 by the world premiere of Valley of Death by resident choreographer Juliano Nunes, and the Agnes de Mille classic Fall River Legend.
Carmen returns to the stage following its debut in 2023. Set to a reimagining of Georges Bizet’s iconic score, this tale of seduction and tragedy will be performed alongside Boléro, Corella’s response to Maurice Ravel’s celebrated composition.
“I’m so excited to bring Carmen and Boléro back to Philadelphia audiences,” said Corella, “These ballets are powerful in very different ways. Carmen is fiery and raw, while Boléro is mesmerizing and rhythmic. Together, they speak to the versatility and emotional depth of our dancers and the evolving spirit of our company.”
The October 9 opening night program includes a performance of John Philip Sousa’s National March from “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” arranged for the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra by Miranda Scripp and supported by a gift from Bruce and Lori Eckert in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
The October 16-19 program is titled “Evening of Horror.” De Mille’s Fall River Legend was inspired by the infamous Lizzie Borden case, delving into themes of repression, judgment and tragedy. In contrast, Nunes’ Valley of Death is a surreal journey into a world shaped by supernatural manipulation, grief and redemption.
“I’ve long admired Agnes de Mille’s storytelling and how her work pushes beyond beauty into something more human and unsettling,” said Nunes. “To premiere Valley of Death alongside Fall River Legend is an honor. My work explores liminal space, between life and death, guilt and grace. It’s a journey into the unknown and I can’t wait to share it with our audience.”
All performances will feature live music performed by the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra, under the direction of Beatrice Jona Affron. Visit philadelphiaballet.org for tickets.