Pennsylvania Ballet Names Angel Corella New Artistic Director

July 22, 2014

Last night, Pennsylvania Ballet revealed its search for a new artistic director was over. Starting in September, Angel Corella, will fill the slot. He’ll replace longtime artistic director, Roy Kaiser, who announced his plans to step down back in April.

 

When it comes to name recognition, it doesn’t get much bigger than Corella. The Madrid, Spain, native was adored by audiences during his years as a principal with American Ballet Theatre. And he tried his hand at directing even before he retired from ABT in 2012. He founded Corella Ballet Castilla y León (later named Barcelona Ballet) in 2008, though the company has since folded. But PA Ballet’s Board of Trustees seems confident in their decision, as Corella was the top choice out of 30 candidates. 

 

Corella has expressed plans to build on PA Ballet’s Balanchine-heavy repertoire. In a press release issued by the company, he said, “It is a great honor for me to lead one of America’s great ballet companies. Pennsylvania Ballet has such a great reputation, such great dancers and such a loyal audience.”