Created for Carolina Ballet in 1998, Weiss' Messiah opens with a full choir onstage in a skeletal abstraction of a church. With sun streaming through the bare windows, dancers take the stage in a passionate representation of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The three sections of the ballet offer a stark contrast in styles of choreography. The first, which culminates with the powerful Hallelujah chorus, fuses neoclassicism and modern dance; with the other two giving a more independent look at each style to serve its thematic concerns.

Although it has become tradition for choral groups to perform Handel's Messiah during the Christmas season; it was originally conceived and first performed for Easter in 1741. Accordingly, the piece will receive its Company premiere during the Christian observance of Lent. The voices of the Philadelphia Kantorei chorus, who performed Carl Orff's cantata for the world premiere of Matthew Neenan's Carmina Burana in February 2007, will join the Company once again for this inspirational production.

Robert Weiss began his career as a professional dancer at the age of 17, when he joined the New York City Ballet at the request of George Balanchine. He remained with the company for 16 years, rising to the rank of Principal Dancer. During this time he performed principal roles in over 40 ballets, some of which were created for him by both Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. His career brought him to Pennsylvania Ballet where he served as Artistic Director for eight years. As a choreographer, Mr. Weiss has created over 20 ballets, including commissions by American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Philadanco, among others. He is also the recipient of two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships for choreography. His other achievements include choreography and staging for the New York City Opera as well as choreographing and acting for a feature film starring Anthony Quinn. Mr. Weiss has received great critical and audience response for his Carolina Ballet world premieres including Messiah.

Pennsylvania Ballet would like to thank The Philadelphia Inquirer, US Airways and WHYY for their generous support for the Company premiere of Messiah.

Founded in 1963 by Balanchine student and protegee Barbara Weisberger, Pennsylvania Ballet is one of the nation's leading ballet companies. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Company's annual local season features six programs of classic favorites and new works, including this season's new production of the Philadelphia holiday tradition, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. -- www.paballet.org