Romeo & Juliet Press Release

Posted On

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Orchestra Iowa and Ballet Quad Cities present Romeo & Juliet

Orchestra Iowa and Ballet Quad Cities continue their partnership with this romantic masterpiece.

Saturday, February 14, 7:30 PM, Cedar Rapids Paramount Theatre

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – January 2015 – Orchestra Iowa and Ballet Quad Cities present Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet on Saturday, February 14, at 7:30 PM at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids.

This Valentine’s Day let Orchestra Iowa and Ballet Quad Cities romance you with the greatest love story ever told, as they present Prokofiev’s famous rendition of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Rarely performed as a full ballet with live orchestral accompaniment, this monumental performance is full of edge-of-your-seat moments and exquisite choreography, showcasing the beauty and tragedy of true love.

“I am very excited that our season includes this wonderful Prokofiev masterpiece,” said Timothy Hankewich, Orchestra Iowa Music Director, “Continuing our partnership with Ballet Quad Cities, I am sure the audience will be enthralled with the expertise and precision required of both the musicians and dancers and their ability to deliver that passion together. The stage will be lit with loyalty, betrayal and love that is so good, it’s to die for.”

Sergei Prokofiev finished the musical composition in 1935, but the production was not staged until 1940 because of increased fear and caution in the musical and theatrical communities in Soviet Russia. The piece develops with a complex relationship between the orchestra and the dancers, mirroring the conflict of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Blurring the lines of each role, the disjunctive melodies and syncopated rhythms require precision from both the musicians and dancers. The complexity and skill of the performers, with new choreography by Courtney Lyon, will take one’s breath away.

In addition to the poignant love story on stage, you can touch the heart of your beloved with an elegant seated dinner preceding the performance. Valentines in Verona is a fundraising event to benefit Orchestra Iowa on Saturday, February 14, at 5:00 PM at the Paramount Theatre Encore Lounge. Complimentary champagne and chocolates accompany your choice from three delicious menu options from Winifred’s Catering. Musical entertainment includes the Mount Mercy Madrigal Singers and harpist Gretchen Brumwell. Tickets for the 3-course meal are $150 which includes Romeo & Juliet tickets or $100 for those who already hold tickets to the ballet. Valentines in Verona is sponsored in part by Zimmerman Auto Center, Evergreen Packaging and Strategic Print Solutions.

Tickets for the performance range in price from $19-$49 and may be purchased online at orchestraiowa.org or by calling 319.366.8203.Children 18 and under are eligible for half price tickets, college students are eligible for $10 tickets and group pricing is available. Tickets are also available through the Orchestra Iowa Ticket Office, 119 Third Avenue SE, Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM-1:00 PM.

PROKOFIEV’S ROMEO & JULIET

Timothy Hankewich, Music Director

PERFORMANCE

Saturday, February 14, 7:30 PM, Cedar Rapids Paramount Theatre

ORCHESTRA IOWA

Orchestra Iowa is recognized as the state’s premier symphony orchestra, under the direction Timothy Hankewich, now in his ninth year as Music Director.

Founded in 1921, the mission of Orchestra Iowa is “to foster enjoyment of, and support for fine symphonic music through quality performances, education, and community involvement.” Its 68 professional musicians perform more than 188 public performances throughout the year, many of which can be heard on Iowa Public Radio and seen on Iowa Public Television. Orchestra Iowa showcases its artistic excellence each season through an accomplished array of classical, ballet, opera, popular, and chamber performances, in addition to extensive community education and involvement.

BALLET QUAD CITIES

Founded in 1996 by Executive Director Joedy Cook and a dedicated Board of Directors, Ballet Quad Cities is now celebrating it’s most exciting season yet. Way back in 1996, the company began with one paid dancer and a young, talented Artistic Director, Johanne Jakhelln. Before returning to her native country of Norway in 2005, Johanne created over 40 original ballets. Today’s versatile company consists of thirteen highly trained, full-time professional dancers led by Artistic Director Courtney Lyon.

Ballet Quad Cities provides both classical and contemporary dance to the entire bi-state region through outstanding performances, entertaining lecture-demonstrations and innovative educational outreach programs for people of all ages.

CONTACT

Dee Bierschenk
Marketing Specialist
dbierschenk@orchestraiowa.org
319.366.8206

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LINKS

Romeo & Juliet Event Valentines in Verona Event