Brisbane scores American Ballet Theatre exclusive

Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts Ian Walker and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey today announced the American Ballet Theatre would make its Australian debut in Brisbane in 2014.

Mr Walker said the Australian exclusive was a fabulous coup for Brisbane that would build on Queensland’s reputation as an arts and cultural hub.

“The American Ballet Theatre will perform here between 28 August and 7 September 2014. It is the next international company to perform at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) as part of the QPAC International Series partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland,” Mr Walker said.

“This partnership has already seen two very successful seasons of The Hamburg Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet presented at QPAC in 2012 and 2013.

“Bringing the world’s best to Brisbane is the essence of the QPAC International Series and American Ballet Theatre is certainly one of the best ballet companies in the world.

“It was named America’s National Ballet Company by an Act of Congress and is considered an American living national treasure.”

The American Ballet Theatre will perform the perennially popular Swan Lake choreographed by its Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie; and a triple bill featuring works by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp and Alexei Ratmansky.

Ms Stuckey said the American Ballet Theatre would provide another great reason for visitors from across Australia and overseas to travel to Queensland in 2014.

“This event forms part of a growing calendar of exclusive events secured for Brisbane, building on its reputation as a vibrant and cultural destination,” she said.

“Following on from the success of the Bolshoi Ballet and Hamburg Season, both attracting sell-out performances, the American Ballet Theatre will be another must-see event on Brisbane’s arts and cultural calendar.

"The Queensland Government is proud to support the QPAC International Series as part of our goal to grow annual overnight visitor expenditure in Queensland to $30 billion by 2020.”

To secure best available seats patrons should join the preferential booking list on www.qpac.com.au or phone 136 246.

[ENDS] 2 August 2013

Media Contacts:       
Minister Walker’s office         Alex Bernard              0417 252 563
Minister Stuckey’s office       James O’Loan             0408 835 548