South Carolina Ballet is thrilled to announce the successful debut of the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra, which premiered at our performances of Romeo & Juliet on February 8, 2025, at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia. This milestone marks a new chapter in our commitment to delivering exceptional ballet experiences.
The formation of the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra has been a long-held aspiration, aiming to enrich our productions with live musical accompaniment. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Scott Weiss, the orchestra comprises talented musicians from across the Midlands. Their inaugural performance featured Prokofiev’s evocative score for Romeo & Juliet, adding profound depth to the storytelling and enhancing the emotional resonance of the ballet.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the “Dream Team,” a consortium of benefactors whose generous support made the orchestra’s formation possible. Their dedication to the arts has gifted our community with the unparalleled experience of live ballet performances accompanied by a full orchestra.
The debut was met with great enthusiasm, and we are eager to continue this collaboration in future productions. The integration of live music not only elevates the artistry of our dancers but also offers our audiences an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that our next production featuring the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra will be A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the 2025–2026 65th Anniversary season. This performance will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn’s composition of the score in 1826, celebrating his remarkable contribution to classical music. This enchanting production will showcase the orchestra’s musical prowess and South Carolina Ballet’s commitment to bringing timeless classics to life with live musical accompaniment.
Stay tuned for upcoming performances featuring the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra, and thank you for being part of this exciting journey!
