Kirov prima ballerina speaks at a Fireside Chat.

Auditorium season subscribers had the unique opportunity to see the Kirov's prima ballerina, Diana Vishneva, up close and personal at our Fireside Chat this evening.

Subscribers learned how Vishneva prepares for a performance, made her role as Giselle famous and some of her other passions when she's not dancing.

Everyone chuckles as a subscriber exclaims "Good!" when Diana explains Albrecht's immense guilt for keeping his true identity from Giselle - ultimately causing her death.

(Left to right) Moderator Lucia Mauro, Diana Vishneva and President of Ardani Artists Management, Inc, Sergei Danilian pose for a picture after the chat.


One subscriber exclaims, "She's simply stunning!"
while enjoying some light hors d'oeuvres and wine after the Chat.

Although the first show of the season has passed, you can still subscribe to the American Series! Season subscribers enjoy exclusive invitations to Fireside Chats through out the season as well as pre-paid parking and exchange privileges as well as other exclusive perks.

To order your season subscription or learn more, call 312-431-2357.

Kirov Media Coverage

The Kirov Ballet (now known as the Mariinsky Ballet) returned to the Auditorium to stun audiences and critics alike with their bravura solosits, graceful corps and stellar orchestra October 1-5, 2008. Below are pictures from their engagement:



Critics from the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times raved about the performance - especially super star prima ballerina Diana Vishneva's portrayal of Giselle.

Read Sid Smith's Chicago Tribune article.

Read Hedy Weiss' Chicago Sun-Times article.

Single Tickets Go On sale

Single tickets for the Kirov Ballet and Margaret Garner will go on sale to the general public June 23, 2008.

You will not want to miss the Kirov Ballet perform Giselle October 2-5, 2008 at the Auditorium. The Kirov's bravura soloists, graceful corps de ballet and stellar orchestra are celebrated by ballet fans worldwide. Prima ballerina, Diana Vishneva will perform as Giselle on October 2 and 5.

The Chicago premiere of the heart-wrenching opera, Margaret Garner, will be November 1-9. You will want to watch both Denyce Graves and Tracie Luck bring the fugitive slave, Margaret Garner, to life. This new American opera is in two acts is based on one of the most significant fugitive slave stories in pre-Civil War America.

Click here to learn more about the upcoming Auditorium season.

Four easy ways to purchase tickets:
Online: ticketmaster.com Phone: 312-902-1500
Groups (10+): 312-431-2357
In person: Auditorium box office, 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL
60605; open from noon-6 p.m.

Remember, save 20% if you order subscriptions before June 20. Save 10% on subscriptions after June 20. Several subscription packages are available. Call 312-431-2357 and become a subscriber today!

Season Announcements

In addition to all the excitement around last week's Ailey shows, we also announced next year's subscription season last week! You can click here to read about it on our website.

Sid Smith of the Tribune calls it "a tantalizing dance series", and Hedy Weiss of the Sun-Times says, "The adventurous lineup ...suggests [the Auditorium] is feeling confident enough in its audience now to go the extra mile and present two of the most galvanic (if less instantly recognizable) companies now at work on the global scene."

The schedule includes:

• The Kirov Ballet & Orchestra - Giselle: October 2-5
  
• Margaret Garner: November 1-9
  
• Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah: December 12 & 14
  
• Batsheva Dance Company: February 7 & 8
  
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: April 1-5
  
• Eifman Ballet - Eugene Onegin: May 14-17
  
• Nederlands Dans Theater I: June 17-21

Photo: Diana Vishneva as Giselle.