In 2026, Virginia Arts Festival proudly welcomes the return of Dance Theatre of Harlem—this time bringing one of the company’s most beloved signature works: Firebird. This legendary production reimagines the classic Russian folk tale of love’s triumph over evil in a lush, Caribbean setting. With John Taras’ masterful choreography, Igor Stravinsky’s iconic score (1945 version) performed live with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and Geoffrey Holder’s dazzling costumes and sets, Firebird is a feast for the senses. First created in 1982, this Dance Theatre of Harlem classic has toured the world and enchanted audiences everywhere. As The New York Times declared: “…it does one thing other versions do not – send its audience into a whooping spell of delirium.”

Join us as Firebird takes flight once again—an unforgettable evening of dance, music, and spectacle that captures the heart and imagination.

This program also features Donizetti Variations, a lively, effervescent series of dances set to Donizetti’s Don Sebastian opera; Symphony No. 1, a thrilling take on one of the country’s foremost composers Adolphus Hailstork’s music; Take Me With You, a contemporary pas de deux set to the music of Radiohead.

PROGRAM

Donizetti Variations*

Choreography: George Balanchine
Music: Gaetano Donizetti

Symphony No. 1*
movements 1 and 3

Choreography: Robert Garland
Music: Adolphus Hailstork

Take Me With You

Choreography: Robert Bondara
Music: Radiohead

Firebird*

Choreography: John Taras
Music: Igor Stravinsky

*with Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Photo credit: Nir Arieli