The sheer variety of events in the festival gives some sense of the breadth of the company's impact. Highlights of Ballets Russes 2009 include:
Tonight-Sunday, Citi Wang Theatre: Boston Ballet presents three works in their original Ballets Russes choreography and a fourth originally premiered by the company with new choreography by Jorma Elo. The three are Fokine's "La Spectre de la Rose," Balanchine's "Prodigal Son," and Nijinsky's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun." Elo has choreographed "The Rite of Spring."
Monday-Thursday, George Sherman Union, Boston University: "The Spirit of Diaghilev" academic conference offers a wide range of presentations from scholars and critics, including Joan Acocella, Jack Anderson, Alastair Macaulay, Linda Nochlin, and Sara Woodcock. The proceedings begin on Monday with a 6 p.m. screening of the 1968 BBC documentary "Diaghilev."
Tuesday, 8 p.m., Symphony Hall: The Boston Pops devotes the first half of its program to music by Russian composers, many associated with the Ballets Russes, including excerpts from Stravinsky's "The Firebird," with multimedia imagery. Keith Lockhart conducts. Also appearing will be Rebecca Rice Dance Company.
Wednesday, 8 p.m., Jordan Hall: Led by Benjamin Zander, the New England Conservatory Youth Philharmonic Orchestra performs a program that includes two Ballets Russes commissions, "Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun" and "Petrushka."
Friday, 808 Gallery, Boston University: "A Passion for Diaghilev: Art From St. Petersburg" offers work by contemporary Russian artists who count the Ballets Russes among their inspirations. The exhibition runs through May 31.
Saturday, May 23, Museum of Fine Arts: Screenings of dance films, including "Nijinsky: The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky."
Ongoing, Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford: "The Ballets Russes; Celebrating the Centennial," which runs through July 12, presents highlights from the museum's extensive collection of holdings related to Diaghilev's company. "Foreign Accents: The Ballets Russes and Western Couture" traces the troupe's impact on fashion.
