The world premiere of Raiford Rogers’ Islands in the Sea, set to the music of Arvo Pärt and inspired by the William James quote, “We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected in the deep.” The work explores the unseen forces that unite us.
The ballet features choreography set to several of Pärt’s most evocative compositions — including Fratres, Passacaglia, Pari Intervallo, Vater Unser, Spiegel im Spiegel, and Für Alina.
Glassworks, set to Philip Glass’ iconic composition of the same name, and Restless, set to music by Zbyněk Matějů, join with the company’s signature rhythmic elegance to complete the program.
Recorded specifically for this performance, the score features pianist Hui Wu, violinist Stephanie Yu, and cellist Elizabeth Wright. Large-scale projections by acclaimed visual artist Mike Nava create a rich, multi-sensory environment in which dance, music, and art converge.