Ballet, orchestra join forces

By Freya Bergren

The Orchestra of New Spain’s 2025-26 Season offers an exciting and varied representation of music from the baroque to early 20th century. The major production at Moody Performance Hall focuses on dance, with a fully staged double bill of the ballet/operas titled “Pulcinella: Reimagined and El Amor Brujo” with partners Avant Chamber Ballet. Performances are on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m. 

The major staged production at the Moody this season is a co-production between Avant Chamber Ballet and Orchestra of New Spain. 

The program features two contrasting works: Igor Stravinsky’s witty baroque-inspired “Pulcinella” set in Mexico with colorful staging and costumes, capturing the sly Comedia del Arte characters, and Manuel de Fallas’s intensely theatrical and tragic “El Amor Brujo” set in the passionate heart of Andalusia. Both ballets are world premieres choreographed by Katie Puder and Fernanda Oliveira and costumed by Fernando Hernandez.

Mezzo soprano Carla Lopez Speziale adds the unique Andalusian “gitaneria” voice to de Falla’s neo-classic work. Stravinsky’s drew from the late baroque in his re-orchestration of Pulcinella in his distinct neo-classic style. 

Maestro Grover Wilkins said: “I have long wanted to perform Stravinsky’s ‘Pulcinella’ and was reminded of this delightful opera/ballet in the Paris L’Opera Comique Francaise two years ago. The opportunity came while discussing a collaboration with Katie Puder who also was enthused about presenting this iconic 1920 ballet reset in a vintage Mexican setting just as exotic as the original Ballet Russe origins.”

Avant Chamber Ballet Director Katie Puder added: “I am thrilled to collaborate on such a diverse program that bridges high drama with lighthearted comedy. We wanted to create an evening that surprises audiences, offering ballets that are both profound and playful.”    

Ticket may be purchase at ticketdfw.com or calling 214-871-5000. Further information, visit orchestraofnewspain.org or Avant’s website, avantchamberballet.org.