CALGARY - A contemporary ballet inspired by the music of The Tragically Hip will be one of the focal points of the 2017-2018 season for Alberta Ballet.
Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maitre and executive director Chris George announced the lineup for the 51st season this week.
It includes a new family ballet, three internationally acclaimed guest companies and the world premiere of "All of Us," the Tragically Hip piece.
Grand-Maitre has previously collaborated with artists including Elton John, Sarah McLachlan, k.d. lang and Joni Mitchell on ballets incorporating their music.
The proposal was first raised last fall with members of The Tragically Hip, which embarked on a cross-Canada trip widely expected to be the last with frontman Gord Downie, who was diagnosed with an incurable form of brain cancer.
In a statement, the band members shared their enthusiasm for the project, pointing to the successes of Grand-Maitre's past collaborations.
