Didi Balle Founding Director Playwright & Stage Director Complete Bio HERE
Symphonic Plays™ - A New Experience: Classical Music Theatre
What Is A Symphonic Play?™
A Symphonic Play™ is a unique collaborative art form, a new genre created by playwright and stage director Didi Balle in collaboration with Conductor and Music Director Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Symphonic Plays™ by Didi Balle have also been commissioned and created for Yannick Nezet-Seguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra, under the guidance of Vice-President Jeremy Rothman. Since their inception in 2008 with “CSI: Beethoven” (Alsop and the BSO); Didi Balle has received commissions to write and stage direct seven Symphonic Plays™, with an eighth on its way.
Why so many? Audiences flock to Symphonic Plays™; sold-out houses and standing ovations tell the story. A Symphonic Play™ viscerally engages audiences. The result? They experience classical music through the eyes and ears of the composer -- the musical drama makes the music personal, powerful and relevant to today’s audiences. Why? Symphonic Plays™ are a 21st century-synthesis of two timeless art forms: live classical music and live theater woven into a seamless and dynamic fusion of orchestral music and high drama.
A Symphonic Play™ is a thrilling trio: a scripted and interactive conductor, a symphony orchestra, and a cast of first-rate professional actors working together to bring to life the dramatic conflicts and struggles that inspired and informed the extraordinary music of the great classical composers.
A Symphonic Play™ is a musical play. (Note: There is no "narration" -- the actors do not read from scripts, sitting or standing in front of music stands.) The actors embody their roles, bringing the great composers and their circle to life. The play-script is memorized and artfully staged by a theatrical director. The audience’s experience is further heightened with beautiful costumes, theatrical lighting, minimal but elegant sets, props, and in some instances, a 15'x15' multi-media screen with dynamic imagery to further enhance the experience.
A Symphonic Play™ is entertaining, enlightening and educative. It inspires audiences to come back to the symphony hall to attend pure music concerts by the featured composer; it piques the interest of the newly initiated, and deepens the passion of devotees. Symphonic Plays™ continue to thrill and engage concert-goers of all ages.
Let’s explore how we can work together with Your Conductor and Orchestra to make Symphonic Plays™ a highlight of your original programming. We look forward to connecting and creating. Thank you.
Set Your Season Apart with Symphonic Plays™.
Didi Balle Founding Director Playwright & Stage Director Email
Larry Heidel Promotion and Marketing Director Email