“The Phantom of the Dance,” op. 163 is the latest composition of Vancouver-based composer Michael Conway Baker, and is dedicated to one of the performers, pianist Anna Levy. Its world premiere took place on Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, West Vancouver’s Kay Meek Theatre to full houses. Loosely based on the classic melodrama, “The Phantom of the Opera,” the story was rendered in dance by members of the CatchingART Contemporary Ballet Theatre with choreography by Astrid Sherman.
A major work for both composer and choreographer, Baker says of the production, “I feel that, together, we have achieved a truly remarkable work which will stand the test of time.” In the role of the Phantom was artist Aine Miller, with ballerinas Chloe Campbell, Jodie Herron, Alejandra Brossoit, Danielle Lee Hogervorst, Asia Sinnes, Sophia Curalli & Caitlin McKinnon. The score was performed by Jane Hayes, piano, Anna Levy, organ, and Leonard Pearson.