Ballet Victoria meets Mozart

Paul Destrooper knows what it’s like to be a tortured artist. Over the last six years as artistic director of Ballet Victoria, he’s battled underfunding and arts apathy, but that hasn’t stopped him from choreographing more than 30 new works, including his latest full-length ballet, based on the life of one of the most famously misunderstood artists, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Dancers become instruments in this ballet. A quill conducts a symphony, as Destrooper interprets Mozart’s life on the Royal Theatre stage May 30 and 31 at 7:30pm.

Principal dancers Andrea Bayne and Matthew Cluff will dance the lead roles with Bayne bringing her vocal talents to the stage as well. Even the music of Queen makes an appearance.

Help support our local ballet company as it wraps up its 10th season by purchasing a ticket to this professional, technical and exciting show — there’s no better way to avoid arts apathy.

Tickets are available at rmts.bc.ca, by phone at 250-386-6121 or in person at the Royal McPherson boxoffices. M

In the Buffy

Buffy Sainte-Marie is an unlikely highlight of an academic conference, but at UVic’s Congress 2013 June 1-8,  free daily musical performances by award-winning artists are just another part of the celebration marking UVic’s 50th year. Sainte-Marie headlines the outdoor celebration stage Wed., June 5 (7:30pm, by the Quad).

Performances are scheduled daily from 11:45am-1:45pm and 4:30-7pm, and feature the likes of Art Napoleon, Maureen Washington and more. Full schedule at uviccongress2013.ca. M