Oct. 26, 2004-The University of Utah’s resident ballet company, Utah Ballet, recognized as one of the finest collegiate dance groups in America, will present its fall concert, “Tribute,” which will include two world premiere pieces, Nov. 17 through 20, at 7:30 p.m. The event also celebrates Kingsbury Hall’s 75th anniversary. Tickets are $16, $12 and $8, with U of U and group discounts available. Tickets may be purchased at the U’s Olpin Union main desk, through ArtTix outlets, or by calling 801-581-7100 or 801-355-ARTS.

The 100-minute concert, featuring all 23 Utah Ballet members-both undergraduate and graduate students-will begin with an act of two lyrical pieces-both world premieres-“The Journey” and “The Tempering of the Heart,” set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and choreographed by Karen Anne Webb.

The second piece, “Eternal Idol,” is “a love pas de deux,” according to Utah Ballet Artistic Director Attila Ficzere. The work, choreographed by Michael Smuin, is set to the adagio section of Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 2” and is based on Rodin’s sculpture of the same title. “This beautiful piece has been danced around the world many, many times,” Ficzere notes.

Ficzere is resetting the classic “Paquita,” originally choreographed by Marius Petipa, and adding Spanish embellishments. The music, also titled “Paquita,” is by Ludwig Minkus.

“The program will feature contemporary, classical and romantic dance-various styles that everyone in the audience can relate to and enjoy,” notes Ficzere.

The program will conclude with the premiere of “Trombone Concerto,” also a world premiere, choreographed by René Develuy and set to music by Derek Bourgeois. “The piece is an excellent close for the program as it is high-energy, has very imaginative choreography and involves the entire company,” Ficzere notes. Brigham Young University dancer Vance Debes will join Utah Ballet for the “Tribute” concert as well.