Purchase Dance Corps Presents World Premiere Feb. 28 in NYC

What do Italian choreographer Luca Veggetti, Greek composer Iannis Xenakis and the Purchase Dance Corps have in common? They are part of “Xenakis and Japan” a dance and music event presented by the Electronic Music Foundation on February 28 at 8 PM at Judson Church, NYC, home to some of the world’s most innovative dance and theatre works.

Artists will be performing electronic music by Mr. Xenakis and the Purchase Dance Corps will present “Habiki Hana Ma” Luca Veggetti’s world premiere choreography, based on Xenakis’ music of the same title, which Veggetti created specifically for the Purchase Dance Corps.

The evening performances highlight Xenaxis’ lifelong interest in Japanese music and theater. The concert conceived by Veggetti includes his choreography, stage design and costumes.  Lighting is by Roderick Murray of the Purchase College Conservatory of Dance, performances by the Purchase Dance Corps and Frances Chiaverni, and performances by Noh artist Ryoko Aoki, bassist Robert Black, and shakukachi virtuoso James Nyoraku Schlefer.

“Orient/Occident” which was premiered last year at the Conservatory of Dance Spring Concert, will be reprised at the concert.  A new work “Habiki Hana Ma” was created for the Purchase Dance Corps this year, while Luca Veggetti is in residence at Purchase College, and will have its world premiere on February 28. The new work will also be performed later at the Purchase Dance Corps Spring Dance Concert  2010 at the Purchase College Performing Arts Center on April 23, 24, 25, 30 and May 1, 2.

The Purchase Dance Corps is the performing company of the Conservatory of Dance.  The company represents a standard of excellence and a diversity of work ranging from reconstructions to contemporary modern and classical ballet repertory to new works created especially for the Purchase Dance Corps.

“Orient Occident” dancers include Rory Freeman, Giovanna Gamna, McKay Montz, Amber Morgan, Morgan Lugo, Emma Pfaeffle, Brian Lawson, Laura Mummert.

“Hibiki Hana Ma” dancers are Raymond Baynard, Hayley Jones, Morgan Lugo, Emma Paeffle, David Scarantino and Addison Reese.

Judson Church is located at 55 Washington Square South, NYC.

Tickets $15 and $10 seniors and students Call 1-888-749-9998 or e mail Suzanne@emf.org.