A collection of masterworks by the “father of American ballet” and an acclaimed choreographer debuting on September 12-14

ATLANTA (August 4, 2025) – Atlanta Ballet welcomes its 2025-26 season with a watershed mixed-rep performance Balanchine & Peck, a series of three pieces showcasing the exquisite choreography of the renowned George Balanchine and Justin Peck. Premiering on September 12 -14, 2025 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Balanchine & Peck features the classic Emeralds, the award-winning In Creases and the time-honored Prodigal Son.

“As we kick off Atlanta Ballet’s 2025–26 season and my 10th season with the company, Balanchine & Peck is the perfect way to set the tone for the year, seamlessly combining three dynamic works from across ballet history,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director. “It is a true honor for Atlanta Ballet to perform pieces that pay tribute to one of the most prolific ballet icons and one of the most in-demand choreographers of this generation. Prodigal Son holds deep personal meaning for me, it was the role that led to my promotion to principal dancer at San Francisco Ballet and continues to inspire my work as an artist and director.”

Choreographed by the “father of American ballet”, George Balanchine, and set music by Gabriel Fauré, Emeralds evokes the elegance and romanticism of France. The piece is a true reflection of the graceful Balanchine style performed by two leading couples, three soloists and a corps of ten women in shimmering, gemstone-inspired costumes. Balanchine was inspired to create Emeralds through his friendship with famed jeweler Claude Arpels.

Contrasting with the delicate fluidity of Emeralds, In Creases is an abstract ballet by Tony Award-winner and New York City Ballet’s resident choreographer, Justin Peck. In Creases, Peck’s first commissioned work for New York City Ballet following his time as a soloist, enchants audience members with innovative choreography that manipulates dancers’ bodies to form geometric shapes and complex structures. Acclaimed pianists Western-Li Summerton and Dr. Hyunjung Rachel Chung will share the stage with the eight dancers to perform ‘Four Movements for Two Pianos’ by Philip Glass.

The third work in this triple bill of masterworks is Prodigal Son by George Balanchine and music by Sergei Prokofiev. First premiering in 1929, the ballet tells a story of sin and redemption from the biblical parable and was Balanchine’s last work for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. A pivotal work in Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin’s own dance career, Prodigal Son was one of the first Balanchine works to capture international attention and has continued to impact audiences for more than 95 years.

For more information about Atlanta Ballet’s production of Balanchine & Peck and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.atlantaballet.com/.... Tickets can be purchased online at atlantaballet.com or in person at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre box office. For groups of twenty or more, please order tickets via the groupsales@atlantaballet.com email.

About Atlanta Ballet:

Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 96 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education, which is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. Atlanta Ballet's roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city's cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.

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