Designing for George Balanchine

Article Abstract:

Designing for the Balanchine production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Zurich Opera in 1978 was a challenge and an achievement for Peter Harvey, who gives an account of the experience day by day. After a call from Patricia Neary, director of the opera's ballet company, Harvey, who was thrilled, joined the effort, but warily, thinking working with Balanchine almost overwhelming. At the end he felt he had done a "more than serviceable job" under what were at times quite difficult circumstances and had "helped to make a special and beautiful evening more so."

author: Harvey, Peter
A Midsummer Night's Dream (Ballet)

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Designing for George Balanchine: diaries of ballet productions

Article Abstract:

The experiences of a scene and costume designer who worked with George Balanchine during 1979 and 1980 are described. The set design for the ballet "Jewels" turned out to be unexpectedly inappropriate. The set design for the ballet "Divertimento No. 15" was not used because the ballet was canceled. The costume designs for "Who Cares?" were successful. Artistic differences, monetary concerns, and close friendships illuminate the descriptions.

author: Harvey, Peter
Ballet, Theater set design

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Designing for George Balanchine: diaries of ballet productions, part one: 'Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet;' 'Jewels;' "Chaconne" and "Elegie" on 'Dance in America.'

Article Abstract:

Journals from several New York City Ballet productions in the 1960s and 1970s recount the challenges of designing for a prestigious company. Reproduced set sketches, choice of materials, costumes, and other technical problems are described. George Balanchine impressed many who worked with him as an artist and a genius.

author: Harvey, Peter
History, New York City Ballet Company

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subjects list: Personal narratives, Dance production, Balanchine, George, Records and correspondence, Set designers
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