A Season of Ballet Brilliance: San Francisco Ballet's 2025 Extravaganza
The San Francisco Ballet's 2025 season is set to dazzle audiences with a lineup of stunning performances, each offering a unique blend of narrative choreography, cultural reflections, and artistic innovation. From the psychological depth of 'Manon' to the cultural renaissance of 'Cool Britannia,' the timeless classic 'Raymonda,' the visceral 'Frankenstein,' the tribute to Hans van Manen, and the emotionally charged 'Broken Love,' this season promises an unforgettable experience at the War Memorial Opera House.
Earth, this season we bring Manon, considered one of his most notable and widely celebrated works. Showcasing his expertise of narrative choreography and acute insight into human psychology, this is MacMillan at his best.
Known as the cultural renaissance that swept through Britain in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Cool Britannia celebrated innovation, creativity, and a sense of optimism. So too does this program, offering a contemporary take on tradition and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression with an evening recognizing the new wave of British voices in dance. Longtime SF Ballet fans will welcome the return of Wheeldon’s luminous Within the Golden Hour and McGregor’s inventive Chroma, set to an original score from The White Stripes’ Jack White III and Joby Talbot, and performed by our Grammy Award-winning Orchestra. The highly anticipated North American premiere of Akram Khan’s Dust, a one-act exploration of the human experience amidst the haunting backdrop of the aftermath of World War I, closes the evening.
Tamara Rojo reclaimed one of ballet’s timeless classics with this adaptation of RAYMONDA" class="css-u850">RAYMONDA" class="css-u850">Raymonda. Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Crimean War, Rojo expertly draws on the figure of Florence Nightingale to create a Raymonda who redefines the role of women in wartime and society. This lavish adaptation celebrates the best of Petipa’s original work—with its glorious and sensuous score by Alexander Glazunov showcasing the richness of the SF Ballet Orchestra—and updates it with a dramatic new story.
Based on Mary Shelley's 19th-century novel-turned-pop culture classic, the captivating must-see production from Liam Scarlett returns to our stage. Frankenstein features sensational choreography, cinematic design, costumes, special effects, pyrotechnics, and a haunting original score from Lowell Liebermann. Scarlett's production of the pioneering science fiction novel is a visceral and profoundly emotional tale of life, death, love, and identity.
A tribute to Hans van Manen, this program showcases the nuance and elegance of the Dutch choreographer’s extensive oeuvre. Often dubbed “the grandmaster of contemporary ballet” and globally recognized for his unparalleled body of work, van Manen's program—curated by Rojo—celebrates his dynamic vision as a leading choreographer of his generation. Van Manen's profound interest in human connection takes center stage in this collection of four of his renowned ballets, including the much-anticipated SF Ballet premiere of his critically acclaimed 5 Tango's. With wide-ranging musical context from the maestro of nuevo tango, Astor Piazzolla, to Bach, Beethoven, Britten, and beyond, his hallmark inventive style is on full display, blending classical and contemporary themes while showcasing the dynamic range of our dancers.
Back by popular demand, these two standout hits captivated audiences in our 2024 Season. Both narratives are testaments to the enduring power of love, reminding us that forgiveness transcends the boundaries of time and circumstance. Making its comeback after a popular run of shows, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand is a story of fervent love, heartbreak, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Revel in the colorful and creative world of Frida Kahlo with Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s critically acclaimed Broken Wings. This mini masterpiece explores the life and art of the celebrated Mexican painter. Enter the realms of the paintings themselves through the lens of Kahlo’s wildly creative spirit.
Based on Mary Shelley's 19th-century novel-turned-pop culture classic, the captivating must-see production from Liam Scarlett returns to our stage. Frankenstein features sensational choreography, cinematic design, costumes, special effects, pyrotechnics, and a haunting original score from Lowell Liebermann. Scarlett's production of the pioneering science fiction novel is a visceral and profoundly emotional tale of life, death, love, and identity.
The 2025 season of the San Francisco Ballet promises to be a landmark celebration of dance, showcasing the talents of world-renowned choreographers and the exceptional SF Ballet Orchestra. Each performance offers a unique perspective on storytelling through dance, making this a season not to be missed. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the world of ballet, the diverse lineup ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy and reflect upon. Join us at the War Memorial Opera House for an unforgettable journey into the heart of dance.