Saturday matinee performance

"Passion at Play"

by American Repertory Ensemble

Saturday, July 26, 2 p.m.

"Passion at Play" is the latest creation from the cutting-edge mind of ARE Artistic Director David Justin. Fresh off 15 nominations from the Austin Critics Table Awards, Austin's most original arts organization presents another ground-breaking performance featuring principal dancers from the San Francisco Ballet, the New York City Ballet, and Twyla Tharp's "Moving Out."

The audience will travel the globe on an emotional journey with jazz-influenced composer Michael Torke, the Spanish flavor of "Valses Poeticos," the British elegance of "The Dance House," and the American reinvention of the classic "L'Apres-midi d'un Faune" by ARE's own David Justin

The international performance journey will include two world premieres, three Texas premieres, and the work of international dance stars Tina LeBlanc and Joan Boada of the San Francisco Ballet, Michelle Gifford of the New York City Ballet, Griff Braun and Eric Otto of the American Ballet Theatre, and Laura Feig, recently from Twyla Tharp's award-winning "Moving Out." These premier dancers will partner with Austin-based, world-class musicians Karla Hamelin (cello), Aurelien Petillot (viola), Joseph Smith (violin), Amra Catovic (flute), Alice Wang (clarinet), Graeme Francis (percussion), John Carroll (trumpet), Yu-Hsuan Liao (piano), and Carla McElhaney (piano).

As always, this collection of artists will combine live music, dance, and theatre in an accessible way to create a one-of-a-kind show pushing at the boundaries of traditional arts. Along with stretching these notions at each performance, ARE advances the level of arts available locally by acting as a city ambassador and introducing international performers to the beauty and hospitality of Austin. Local students and performers also gain the opportunity to practice with, learn from, and connect to the world's best.

More information about "Passion at Play," the performers, and American Repertory Ensemble is available at americanrepensemble.org. Information about parking and the performance venue can be found at the Web site of the UT Performing Arts Center.

Please come experience a one-of-a-kind performance and add a little passion to your life.

"Passion at Play" by American Repertory Ensemble, July 25-27 at the McCullough Theatre in the University of Texas Performing Arts Center. Audio description and assisted listening devices available through VSA Arts of Texas.