Winnipeg, MB (September 8, 2010) – Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet will pay tribute to Arnold Spohr, the late Artistic Director Emeritus of the Company, on Monday, October 4, 2010 at the Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg. Entitled “A Celebration of the Life of Arnold Spohr,” the event begins with a public reception at 6:30 pm, followed by a Tribute Presentation featuring RWB Company dancers and other artists at 7:30 pm. The event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend.
The RWB was deeply saddened by the loss of a creative giant and a treasured friend with the passing of Dr. Arnold Theodore Spohr, CC, OM, LLD, DFA, ARCT, ARAD on April 12, 2010. In his 45 years as a dancer and choreographer, Dr. Spohr earned international recognition and his work profoundly influenced dance in Winnipeg, Canada, and around the globe. Throughout his three decades as Artistic Director of the RWB, Dr. Spohr’s prodigious energy, outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication transformed the RWB from a small, regional troupe to a distinguished, award-winning ballet company of international renown.
"Arnold Spohr drank fully from the cup of life and gave himself completely to all who sought him,” says André Lewis, RWB’s Artistic Director.“He was an extraordinary man.”
The RWB will celebrate Dr. Spohr’s contribution to the Company and his extraordinary legacy to the dance community at the upcoming tribute evening “A Celebration of the Life of Arnold Spohr.” Everyone – whether closely associated with Dr. Sphor or just learning about this remarkable man – is welcome to join RWB’s Board of Directors, staff and alumni at this important event.
Guest will have the chance to learn more about Dr. Spohr and his distinguished career through displays and multi-media presentations at the public reception. Guests will also be invited to share their fondest memories of Arnold Spohr in writing at one of the many memory tables that will be set up throughout the Centennial Concert Hall’s lobby. The RWB hopes to publish these messages and other letters in a keepsake book.
The Tribute Presentation will be co-hosted by two close friends and associates of Dr. Spohr, Choreographer and Dance Archivist Stephanie Ballard and Dr. Spohr’s biographer, Dance Writer Michael Crabb. The presentation, combining remembrances and tributes from friends and colleagues as well as live performance, will vividly celebrate Dr. Spohr’s extraordinary contributions to the RWB from the mid-1940s, through his now legendary 30-year artistic directorship and beyond. The program will include Nuages choreographed by Jirí Kylián and performed by RWB Principle Dancer Vanessa Laweson and Guest Dancer Gael Lambiotte, Shawn Hounsell’s Led performed by Principal Dancer Tara Birtwhistle and Soloist Dmitri Dovgoselets, Soloist Alexander Gamayunov in Peter Quanz’s Beautiful Stranger and Itzik Galili’s powerful ballet Hikarizatto performed by the Company. The program will also feature performances by other artists touched by the life of Dr. Spohr, including Soprano Monica Huisman and a Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra string quartet.
The RWB is honoured to host this special evening in celebration of a man whose vision, perseverance and generosity touched the lives of so many people, both in Winnipeg and around the world.
Tickets for “A Celebration of the Life of Arnold Spohr” are free of charge and must be reserved in advance by calling the RWB Customer Service Office at 956-2792 or toll free at 1-800-667-4792.
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“A Celebration of the Life of Arnold Spohr” will be open to media. Details to follow.
For more information, to arrange interviews, or for access to high-resolution images and video footage, please contact:
Kate Hodgert
Publicity
Manager
Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet
khodgert@rwb.org
380 Graham Ave
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4K2
(204) 957-3447
www.rwb.org
