After an international search following the announcement that Christopher Anderson would be stepping down from the role, Alberta Ballet has appointed Francesco Ventriglia as its next artistic leader.
“We’re grateful to everyone who offered their time, insight and expertise to this search process, especially the selection committee and Arts Consulting Group. We look forward to introducing Francesco to all of Alberta Ballet’s partners and supporters throughout the province and around the world,” said Alberta Ballet President & CEO Chris George.
Anderson will stay on until the end of this year and Ventriglia will join the company in January to finish Alberta Ballet’s 2023-2024 season and beginning curating the next.
“We are excited to welcome Francesco to Alberta and into our vibrant dance community. Francesco brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and Albertans can look forward to a new chapter with more of Alberta Ballet’s high-quality, inspirational programming.”
– Heather Rae, Alberta Ballet Board Chair
About Francesco Ventriglia
Francesco Ventriglia comes to Alberta with fitting experience having been New Zealand Ballet’s Artistic Director from 2014-2017, director of MaggioDanza from 2010-2013, and for his own company, Heliopolis.
He is also widely known as a choreographer creating works for La Scala Theatre Ballet (his alma mater) Arena di Verona, Bolshoi Theatre, the Mariinsky Ballet, Grande Théâtre du Genève, Royal New Zealand Ballet, the National Ballet of Uruguay, and at the Venice Biennale.
As a performer with La Scala Theatre Ballet, Ventriglia danced as a soloist in:
- In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated (William Forsythe)
- La Bayadère (Natalia Makarova)
- Carmen (Roland Petit)
- Notre Dame de Paris (Roland Petit)
- Giselle (Sylvie Guillem)
Featured Photo of Francesco Ventriglia for Alberta Ballet by Damiano Mongelli.
