A Conversation Between Dance and Live Music

Live music can add so much to the experience of dance. The interplay between the musicians and dancers, the exactness of timing, and the generous sound and emotion that only a live performance can achieve can make a stunning performance even more memorable. However, live music for dance can be difficult to come by, especially with traveling companies on tour. This is why we’re more than thrilled that The U of M Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mark Russell Smith, will be performing live for two of the pieces included in The Joffrey Ballet repertoire on Tuesday, February 26 at the Orpheum Theatre!

Mark Russell Smith and three of his students traveled to Chicago recently to visit The Joffrey Ballet at their home, to observe and work with the company to ensure the smoothest of accompaniments. Through his work with the company, U of M Symphony Orchestra musician Sergey Bogza said he “quickly absorbed how closely the music is resembled in the choreography and how precise a conductor needs to be with his or her tempi.” He continued to say that “the various articulations like accents, staccato, tenuto, etc., take on a new meaning when it is resembled by dancers' physical movements.” This close linking of choreography and musical phrasing contributes to an unforgettable conversation and to the unique experience of live accompaniment.

Witness the exquisite world of performance with The Joffrey Ballet, accompanied by The U of M Symphony Orchestra as conducted by Mark Russell Smith on Tuesday, February 26 as part of our Northrop Dance Season!