'Ballet and Strings at Sunset' this Sunday

Darin Fenger

Apr. 23, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- To create one of Yuma's favorite annual performances, organizers simply took orchestral music and combined it with classical dance, all performed under the majestic reds and blues of a gorgeous desert sunset.

"Ballet and Strings at Sunset" will thrill audiences once more this Sunday, taking place at the Arizona Western College amphitheater.

"It's just a fantastic venue!" raved orchestra director Janet Jones. "Enjoying great music and dance while the sun is going down over the Gila Valley just makes this event magical. That's why it is a local favorite."

"Ballet and Strings at Sunset" will begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for general admission, $15 for couples and $5 for students, seniors and military. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Concessions will also be available for purchase.

Chairs will be provided, but some folks prefer to bring their own.

"I love seeing people with their lawn chairs or sprawled out on a blanket," Jones said. "It's also nice that children can move around. They aren't tied down to a theater seat."

"Ballet and Strings at Sunset" is the work of the Yuma Orchestra Association and Yuma Ballet Theatre. The two arts groups have been staging this shared event for the past 15 years.

"We certainly have a long relationship," Jones said. "We come together for a really great show. You really get to see the talent of Yuma's youth."

About 50 performers will grace the stage that evening.

The program will include performances by YBT dancers, plus two string groups: The Twinklers and the String Ambassadors.

Pieces to be performed that evening include "Ave Maria," "Brandenburg Concerto No. 5," "Hungarian Dance No. 5" and a selection from "Dances with Wolves."

"We will close with 'Mamma Mia,' which should be fun," Jones said, chuckling. "The String Ambassadors will also be doing 'Yellow' by (the rock band) Coldplay. I just want them to be able to play any type of music."

About 300-400 people attend "Ballet and Strings at Sunset" each year, including some pretty loyal winter visitors.

"Every year I have winter visitors call and say 'OK, we'll go home after we get to see that concert!'" Jones said, smiling. "They used to say they went home after taxes, now they want to see this show!"

Darin Fenger can be reached at

dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0239-34370784