Francesco Ventriglia to become Alberta Ballet’s new artistic director
Francesco Ventriglia is a former dancer with the La Scala Ballet and a choreographer of classical and contemporary ballet. Today it was announced that he will take over as artistic director of Alberta Ballet in Canada in 2024. His works have been performed by La Scala, the Arena di Verona, the Bolshoi Theatre, the Mariinsky Ballet, Grande Théâtre du Genève, Royal New Zealand Ballet, the National Ballet of Uruguay, and at the Venice Biennale.
As Artistic Director of New Zealand Ballet (2014-17), he expanded and mounted The Wizard of Oz, a work regarded as one of the most successful productions created for the company.
Ventriglia said,
I am thrilled and deeply honoured to join Alberta Ballet as the next Artistic Director. Having come to know this company, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with its remarkably talented artists. I am grateful for this opportunity to bring to fruition some incredible dreams alongside the company, where we can honour the past while crafting an extraordinary future together.
The future shines brightly for Alberta Ballet, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. I am eager to explore Canada and the remarkable stories that hold a special place in the hearts of Albertans.
Ventriglia will join the company early in January when rehearsals are underway for Alberta Ballet’s March and May performances: Hansel and Gretel, followed by Der Wolf and The Rite of Spring.
Alberta Ballet Board Chair Heather Rae said,
We are excited to welcome Francesco to Alberta and into our vibrant dance community. Francesco brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and Albertans can look forward to a new chapter with more of Alberta Ballet’s high-quality, inspirational programming.
Alberta Ballet is one of the oldest resident companies of the Jubilee Auditoria – built in 1957 and extensively renovated in 2004 – and its standing company of professional dancers attracts talent from around the world. The company performs its mainstage season in Calgary and Edmonton, proudly fulfilling its provincial mandate.
Graham Spicer, aka ‘Gramilano’, is a writer, director and photographer based in Milan. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy. His articles have appeared in various publications from Woman’s Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the Danza in Italia column for Dancing Times magazine. Graham was the historical advisor on Codice Carla, the 2023 documentary on Italian ballerina Carla Fracci.
Graham also works as a dance photographer, and his photos have appeared in many books, theatre programmes, and magazines, including Dancing Times, Dance Spirit and Ballet2000, as well as all the major Italian newspapers.
He is a member of the Dance Section of The Critics’ Circle.
I loved it as much as you’ll end it here. The sketch and writing are good, but you’re nervous about what comes next. Definitely come back because it’s pretty much always the same if you protect this walk.