CDI/Concert Dance Inc. (CDI) returns as part of the Ruth Page Festival of Dance and marks the opening event of the 2014 Ravinia Season Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall. Ravinia is located at 418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park and gates to the event open at 6:30 p.m. Regularly commissioned by Ravinia to present new works, the CDI performance includes the world premiere of “Four Last Songs” choreographed by Artistic Director Venetia Stifler and uses dancers and live vocals, piano and violin accompaniment in a new compositional reduction inspired by songs written shortly before Richard Strauss’ death. Reserved seating tickets are available for $10 and may be purchased at www.ravinia.org or via phone by calling 847.266.5100. No lawn seating will be available. For more information on CDI and the Ruth Page Festival of Dance, please visit www.ruthpage.org
Ruth Page first began her association with Ravinia in 1926 and today, the Ruth Page Festival of Dance continues her legacy and dedication to dance, new ideas and breathtaking performances. An annual favorite with soldout performances, CDI opens the Ruth Page Festival of Dance and the 2014 Ravinia Season with an evening program consisting of four pieces uniquely choreographed by Stifler. The full program includes:
Meetings Along the Edge (2007)
I. Beginning
Choreography: Venetia Stifler
Music: Iranian Popular Music
Dancers: Jessie Gutierrez, Maray Gutierrez
II. The Meeting
Choreography: Venetia Stifler
Music: Philip Glass, Ravie Shankar
Dancers: Victor Alexander, Edson Cabrera, Jamie Farrell, Benjamin Law, Michel Rodriguez
I Am From (2013)
Choreography: Venetia Stifler
Music: Misirlou (folk song), Phedre – Mikis Theodorakis
Dancers: The Company
Four Last Songs – World Premiere
Choreography: Venetia Stifler
Music: Richard Strauss
Soprano: Christina Kaloyanides
Piano: Kay Kim
IV: Im Abendro (At Sunset)
Dancers: Edson Cabrera, Jamie Farrell, Benjamin Law, Michel Rodriguez
Controlled Chaos (2011)
Choreography: Venetia Stifler
Music: Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald
Dancers: The Company