Jiří Kylián at Houston Ballet
Prior to March 2024, Houston Ballet had eleven Kylián Ballets in its repertory, making him the fifth most-performed choreographer in Houston Ballet's history
Jiri Kylian. Photo by Anton Corbijn.Houston Ballet
Who is Jiří Kylián?
Jiří Kylián became artistic director of the Nederlands Dans Theater in 1979, a position he held until he handed over artistic leadership in 1999. He remained associated with the dance company as house choreographer until December 2009.
Scoll on to explore 11 of Jiří Kylián's work at the Houston Ballet:
Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Jim Caldwell.Houston Ballet
Symphony in D
"Symphony in D" (world premiere 1976) is a stunning work with music by Joseph Haydn and costumes by Tom Schenk. It premiered in Houston on March 10, 1983.
Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Jann Whaley.Houston Ballet
Sinfonietta
The Houston ballet scene welcomed "Sinfonietta" on May 25, 1995 (world premiere 1978), featuring Leoš Janáček's music and Walter Nobbe's artistic vision for set and costumes.
Sara Webb and Nicholas Leschke. Photo by Jim Caldwell.Houston Ballet
Forgotten Land
The ballet "Forgotten Land," features music composed by Benjamin Britten with scenic and costume design by John F. Macfarlane, premiered in Houston on September 22, 2005, following its world premiere on April 4, 1981.
Randy Herrera and Katharine Precourt. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.Houston Ballet
Petite Mort
The ballet "Petite Mort," choreographed by Jiří Kylián to music by W. A. Mozart with costumes by Joke Visser, premiered in Houston on Sept. 20, 2007 following its world premiere on Aug. 23, 1991.
Amy Fote and Ian Casady. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.Houston Ballet
Svadebka
The ballet "Svadebka," with music by Igor Stravinsky and scenic and costume design by John F. Macfarlane, premiered in Houston on May 24, 2007, following its world premiere on June 11, 1982.
Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.Houston Ballet
Falling Angels
The ballet "Falling Angels," with music by Steve Reich and costumes by Joke Visser, premiered in Houston on Sept. 24, 2009 following its world premiere on Nov. 23, 1989.
Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.Houston Ballet
Soldier's Mass
The ballet "Soldier's Mass," choreographed by Jiří Kylián to music by Bohuslav Martinů with costumes designed by the choreographer himself, premiered in Houston on March 12, 2009, following its world premiere on June 13, 1980.
Nozomi Iijima and Brian Waldrep. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.Houston Ballet
Sechs Tänze
The ballet "Sechs Tänze" (Six Dances), with music by W.A. Mozart and scenery and costumes designed by Jiří Kylián, premiered in Houston on May 22, 2014, following its world premiere on October 14, 1986.
Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.Houston Ballet
Wings of Wax
"Wings of Wax" landed in Houston on Mar 10, 2016 (world premiere Jan 23, 1997). Music is by composers Biber, Cage, Glass, and Bach. Costumes are by Joke Visser and scenery is by Michael Simon.
Rhys Kosakowski. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.Houston Ballet
Stepping Stones
The ballet "Stepping Stones" came to the Houston stage on March 16, 2017, following its world premiere on November 23, 1991. This captivating work features the music of John Cage and Anton Webern. This piece includes costumes by Joke Visser and scenery by Michael Simon.
Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.Houston Ballet
Dream Time
Houston embraced Jiří Kylián's "Dream Time" on March 21, 2019 (world premiere 1983). Takemitsu's music and Macfarlane's design fuel this exploration of human emotions.
