production of “The Nutcracker” and
increased accessibility and educational
programming in the theater, studio and
community.
“I have made Pittsburgh my home
and certainly my life,” said Orr, who has
lived in Sewickley with his wife, PBT
Ballet Mistress Marianna Tcherkassky,
since becoming PBT artistic director in
1997. “It has been exciting to watch the
company grow and rise to incredible
heights.”
He added, “We’ve developed a distinct
voice and special place in the city where
you can experience the great classics, the
great choreographers and the emerging
voices moving this art form into the
future. It has been my honor to lead
this company for the past 22 years and
great privilege to lead it through its 50th
anniversary. I want to thank the dancers,
musicians and patrons who have become
like family. You have made my time here
something I will always cherish.”
Orr, a California native, began his
dance career at San Francisco Ballet,
where he became a principal dancer by
age 17. He went on to have a celebrated
career at New York City’s American
Ballet Theatre (ABT), rising from corps
de ballet to principal dancer. He joined
ABT’s artistic staff while he was still
performing and served as ballet master
from 1978 to 1997. He has staged
works for ballet companies worldwide,
including the Royal Ballet at Covent
Garden, the Paris Opera Ballet, La Scala,
Australian Ballet and National Ballet of
Japan.
“Hundreds of students and
professional dancers can attest to the
immeasurable influence and passion that
Terry passes on to future generations,”
said Dawn Fleischner, Chair, PBT Board
of Trustees. “Terry is beloved by the
entire organization and we can’t say
enough about the indelible legacy he
created in Pittsburgh. His vision has set
the stage for an exciting future for this
company and we will be forever grateful
for his leadership.”
The PBT board will work out the next
steps of succession planning by forming
a search committee and beginning the
search for a new artistic director.
“It’s been a real privilege and honor
to work in partnership with Terry over
the past 13 years and he will be greatly
missed,” said Harris Ferris, Executive
Director. “I look forward to supporting
the board in the forthcoming search and
transition in artistic leadership.”
Orr will close his career with PBT by
leading celebrations for the company’s
50th Anniversary Season, which opens in
October at the Benedum Center.
The season will honor the company’s
history with a five-production
lineup featuring “Giselle” with the
PBT Orchestra (Oct. 25-27), “The
Nutcracker” (Dec. 6-29), PNC Presents
“Beauty and the Beast” (Feb. 14-23),
“Here & Now” at the August Wilson
African American Cultural Center
(March 20-29) and “Balanchine &
Tchaikovsky” with the PBT Orchestra
(April 17-19) as well as exciting
repertoire to be performed on tour on
prestigious national stages including
the Chautauqua Institution, Northrop at
University of Minnesota and others. For
ticketing and program information, please
visit pbt.org. ■
Abby A grees...
A Cold House
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Isn’t a HOME!
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