Tulsa Symphony debuts with top ballerina

Thursday, February 9th 2006, 10:24 am

By: News On 6

Friday night marks a double debut at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The Tulsa Ballet performs Sleeping Beauty - with a world class guest ballerina, and on the same night the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra plays publicly for the first time.

News on 6 Emory Bryan says the Tulsa production of "Sleeping Beauty" is more than just another opening night. With the appearance of feature ballerina Viviana Durante, it's a step forward for the notoriety of Tulsa Ballet.

For Durante - dancing the role of Aurora - it's a classic part she was eager to perform. "For me it's one of the big the main, if you're a classical ballerina, it's something you should dance, you should do."

The performance will be noted for having a world class ballerina - and she will be accompanied by a new orchestra. The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra debut is Friday night. For the players, and the man who helped create it, it's a milestone. "I've never had such a chance to give back to my community." Doctor Frank Letcher, who is president of the orchestra, believes the new orchestra will serve Tulsa well. "I've had nothing but positive comments, for the dancers, a big event, for them."

Durante says ballet has been a life long passion, first encouraged by her parents, then nourished by performing with top companies. "I think in a sense it's more difficult to tell a story with your body and your emotions, you have to really feel what you're trying to say." But she is highly praised for reaching the audience - and in Tulsa