Vilar's Classical & Dance Series to feature opera superstar Anna Netrebko this winter

The snows of winter will not dim the glow of classical music and dance aficionados throughout the country as a stellar array of performers and performances comprise the Vilar Performing Arts Center's Classical & Dance Series, including a gala evening with international opera superstar Anna Netrebko.

In addition to a tremendous winter lineup, fans will also have the opportunity to get some of the best seats in the house as tickets for the 10-event series went on sale July 2.

“The Vilar Performing Arts Center is the perfect venue to experience a classical music or dance performance,” explained Kris Sabel, Director of the Vilar Performing Arts Center. “The acoustics of the theatre are superb and the intimate nature ensures that these incredible artists are featured in the best possible way. I personally can't wait for this series to begin as it promises to be a sensory showcase.”

Anna Netrebko

Spanning mid-January through mid-March, the VPAC Classical & Dance Series is scheduled to get underway January 15 with a performance by the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Additional January offerings will include the State Symphony Orchestra of Russia on January 21 and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra & Chorus on Jan. 31.

February will be ushered in by the self-conducted string orchestra A Far Cry on February 9, while other shows that month will feature a performance of Puccini's last masterpiece opera, Turandot, by Teatro Lirico D'Europa on February 15; Great Moments in Opera with Teatro Lirico D'Europa on February 16; the gala evening with Anna Netrebko on February 22 and the return of The 5 Browns on February 25.

“The gala evening with Anna Netrebko is an extremely rare opportunity to see an artist of her internationally renowned stature in a venue like the Vilar Center,” Sabel added. “In addition to her incredible talent and beauty, she has also been recognized for her humanitarian efforts, being named to Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World list. We are truly honored to be able to present Ms. Netrebko to our audience.”

The VPAC Winter Classical & Dance Series will conclude with a pair of shows in March, including the Joffrey Ballet on March 15 and Parsons Dance, with the East Village Opera Company, on March 19.

Tickets for the 2011 Classical & Dance Series will be available for purchase beginning at11am MST on Friday, July 2. Tickets are available online at www.vilarpac.org, by calling 888.920.ARTS(2787) or in person at the box office in Beaver Creek. The box office is open 8am – 5pm MST Monday through Saturday, with additional hours on performance days.

Visit the Vilar Performing Arts Center website at www.vilarpac.org to see photos and videos of all artists, along with audio clips and in-depth bios to help you explore each performer and performance.

The Vilar Performing Arts Center is a project of the Vail Valley Foundation. For more information on the Vail Valley Foundation, visit www.vvf.org.

2011 Winter VPAC Classical & Dance Series

Saturday, January 15, 2011: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet $55

Friday, January 21, 2011: State Symphony Orchestra of Russia $75/$90

Monday, January 31, 2011: Colorado Symphony Orchestra & Chorus $75/$90

Wednesday, February 9, 2011: A Far Cry $55

Tuesday, February 15, 2011: Teatro Lirico D'Europa Turandot $75

Wednesday, February 16, 2011: Teatro Lirico D'Europa Great Moments in Opera $75

Tuesday, February 22, 2011: A Gala Evening with Anna Netrebko $150

Friday, February 25, 2011: The 5 Bowns $60 children/$75 adult

Tuesday, March 15, 2011: Joffrey Ballet $70/$85

Saturday, March 19, 2011: Parsons Dance $55

Tickets and more information: www.vilarpac.org or 888.920.ARTS(2787)