Interlochen to partner with Traverse City Philharmonic for upcoming performance of ‘Swan Lake’
Thirty-five musicians from the professional orchestra will perform Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovky’s iconic score live during the ballet’s four-show run.
Thirty-five musicians from the Traverse City Philharmonic will perform Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score during the Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Division’s upcoming production of Swan Lake.
The fully produced ballet—which also includes stunning scenic design, exquisite costumes, and choreography by Interlochen Director of Dance Joseph Morrissey—will run for four performances at Interlochen’s Corson Auditorium: Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $34 adult, $19 child through college and can be purchased at interlochen.org/tickets.
“Having a live orchestra elevates the entire ballet experience, and the Traverse City Philharmonic brings an unmatched level of professionalism to the performance,” said Brent Wrobel, executive director of Interlochen Presents. “This not only enhances the audience’s experience, but also inspires our students to push their own performance to new heights.”
"The Traverse City Philharmonic is always excited when a collaboration with other groups is on the schedule—and when it’s our good friends and colleagues at Interlochen, it’s especially rewarding,” said Traverse City Philharmonic Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Kevin Rhodes. “Many of our musicians serve on the faculty there, and of course, our large orchestra concerts usually take place on campus.”
The ensemble for Swan Lake includes numerous Interlochen faculty, staff, and alumni, including current Arts Academy music faculty members Tina Chang Qu, Patrick Owen, Nancy Stagnitta, Lauren Hunt, Ken Larson, Tom Riccobono, and Keith Aleo. Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra Conductor Dr. Leslie B. Dunner will conduct.
“Playing side-by-side with professional musicians—many of whom are also their faculty members—is a unique and invaluable part of the students’ education at Interlochen,” Wrobel says. “Beyond the incredible experience of performing with seasoned professionals, they also benefit from mentorship and guidance throughout the process.”
This winter’s production of Swan Lake continues an artistic partnership between the two organizations established with the February 2024 production of The Sleeping Beauty.
“After last year’s fabulously successful The Sleeping Beauty production—which brought together Joseph Morrisey’s truly first rate Dance Division with our musicians and student musicians—we’re really happy to be continuing that tradition this season with Tchaikovsky’s ballet favorite, Swan Lake,” Rhodes said. “I wish everyone the absolute best success!"
