Agon

Dancers Paris Wilcox and Aisling Hill-Connor. Photographer Steve Wilson. Agon performed in winter 2001. Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust.
Dancers Paris Wilcox and Aisling Hill-Connor. Photographer Steve Wilson. Agon performed in winter 2001. Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust.

Choreography: George Balanchine
Music: Stravinsky

The composer dedicated the ballet score to Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, cofounders of the New York City Ballet. It is the third of the three ballet collaborations between Stravinsky and Balanchine that completes a trilogy with Apollo (1928) and Orpheus (1948). Agon premiered in New York City in 1957 and, unlike the other pieces in this trilogy, it is plot less with neither a musical nor choreographic subject beyond the interpretation of the 17th century French court dances suggested by the titles of the movements. Balanchine created the piece without provision for scenery and Stravinsky, too, intended for the piece to be independent of décor, period and style.

World Premiere: December 1, 1957, New York City Ballet, New York

Kansas City Ballet Premiere: February 15, 2001

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