Elfman writes score for Tharp ballet

Hollywood film and television composer Danny Elfman (“Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands”) will make his first venture into ballet with a score for a new dance by contemporary choreographer Twyla Tharp. The work will receive its premiere by American Ballet Theatre in New York in June.

“I always thought it would be interesting to write a ballet because most of the classical music that I was inspired by growing up was ballet music, even though I was hearing it in a concert hall,” Elfman said Wednesday.

The new piece, which Elfman unofficially calls “Ballet Uno,” lasts about 45 minutes and was commissioned by ABT and the Orange County Performing Arts- center in Costa Mesa. It will be repeated during the company’s next Orange County engagement, which has been rescheduled to Aug. 6-10 from July 29-Aug. 3.

“I wanted to write something that was interesting and contemporary and yet very much rooted in melody,” Elfman said. “I can’t tell the world whether I’ve succeeded or failed. The real world will have to tell me.”

The new piece will also feature costumes by fashion designer Norma Kamali.

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-- Chris Pasles