State Street Ballet enters its 30th season with live music, world premieres and more

State Street Ballet has some new twists for its upcoming 30th anniversary season, the first entirely programmed with two women at the helm: artistic director Megan Philipp and executive director Cecily MacDougall. Although both worked for years with founding director Rodney Gustafson, who founded the company in 1994, his retirement (he handed over the artistic director duties to Philipp in 2023 and the executive director duties to MacDougall in 2024) has left the doors open for the company, as as Philipp put it, “an exciting new beginning.”

However, as he is quick to point out, “this is not a completely new beginning. But a new beginning means new energy.”

This is a well-planned and groundbreaking chapter in the history of the ballet company. “Everything was pre-planned and scheduled, but yes, in the end this summer we were on our own,” Philipp said. “So we’ve had a lot of work, but it’s exciting. We still have a lot to learn, but we’ve both been here for a really long time.”

Adds MacDougall: “It’s really funny – last night at happy hour someone asked me if I was old enough to run this company…. I’m 35, but I’ve been here almost half my life, so yes, I feel like that must count for something.

While many of the changes involve technology and infrastructure and things that are not always visible to the public, one of the most exciting things that is happening outside is that for the first time ever, all State Street Ballet performances will have live music to accompany them, thanks to a generous grant from the Manitou Fund, Norie McNeely Hurley Silo.

It is unusual for a ballet company to have live orchestral accompaniment, which adds an element of emotion to both the audience and the performers themselves. Not only are there live performances, but there is now also accompaniment during rehearsals.

Appropriately, the season’s premiere show, Double Bill Scheherazade AND FirebirdOn October 26-27 at The Granada Theater it will be performed with the Santa Barbara Symphony conducted by Nir Kabaretti. Philipp describes it as “more than just a performance. It is an evening of unforgettable artistry and a celebration of 30 years of ballet excellence.

Virtuoso Scheherazadewith choreography by Autumn Eckman and music by Nikolai Andreevich Rimsky-Korsakov, it was first conceived by State Street Ballet managing director Tim Mikel, who wrote the libretto, and premiered in 2014.

Firebird features dramatic choreography by William Soleau and music by Igor Stravinsky, telling a fantastic Russian fairy tale of good and evil. The cast of international artists will be joined by guest artist Rachel Hutsell, formerly of New York City Ballet.

The Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra will accompany State Street Ballet during this year’s performances, including: NutcrackerDecember 21-22 in Granada. Celebrating tradition, magic and community, State Street Ballet will bring over 150 performers to the stage to create holiday magic. State Street Ballet Academy students, along with interns from the company’s Professional Track Program, join the cast to bring Rodney Gustafson’s captivating choreography to life.

More ballet excitement for the whole family is coming. In the company’s first feature-length world premiere since 2019. The Little Mermaid The greatest adventure will take place at the Lobero Theater on March 1-2, thanks to which you will discover true love. Choreographed by Philipp and MacDougall, the show features stunning sets, life-size puppets and an original score by renowned film composer Charles Fernandez, performed live by the San Luis Obispo Opera Orchestra.

The company notes that this production also includes a sensory-friendly performance for families with special needs or young children: the lights in the house will be dimmed but remain on, the volume of the speakers and microphones will be reduced, and viewers will be able to move and vocalize as needed . Additionally, reduced tickets are available.

The conclusion of State Street Ballet’s 30th anniversary season Brilliance Program: Balanchine, Arpino and more at the Lobero Theater on May 9-10. In this special show, classic elegance and contemporary innovation share the stage with “Who Cares?” George Balanchine. and “Birthday Variations” by Gerald Arpin with the Joffrey Ballet. This show will also feature the world premiere of visionary Kassandra Taylor Newberry, who continues to push artistic boundaries even further.

Tickets for all performances are now on sale with a 30% discount on season tickets. See statestreetballet.com for details.