Ballet Arizona’s Prima Circle and Desert Botanical Garden’s Patrons Circle celebrated the opening night and world premiere performance of Eroica on May 15. The production, choreographed by Ib Andersen, Ballet Arizona artistic director, was staged at Desert Botanical Garden and performed to Beethoven’s Third Symphony.

The two groups, comprising the organizations’ most loyal supporters and donors, collaborated on a reception that drew 210 members for the grand finale of the 2017-2018 season. The al fresco evening included a cocktail party and buffet dinner. Samantha Turner, executive director of Ballet Arizona, moderated a discussion with Anderson and Ken Schutz, Desert Botanical Garden executive director. Specifically, she asked Andersen about his passion for Eroica, and Schutz about his philosophy of integrating arts of all kinds into the Garden experience.

Guests then made their way to the Desert Botanical Garden’s Schilling Event Plaza to enjoy Eroica.

Jan Lewis and Barbara Ottosen co-chaired the evening. Read more.