HOUSTON BALLET Presents: The World Premiere of Stanton Welch’s RAYMONDA, May 29-June 8, 2025

Houston Ballet is set to present the world premiere of Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM’s Raymonda, running May 29 through June 8.

Performance Schedule:   7 p.m. on May 29, 2025; 7:30 p.m. on May 31 and June 6-7, 2025, and 2 p.m. on June 1 & 8, 2025.

About RAYMONDA:

Inspired by other variations, including Marius Petipa’s classic, Welch’s opulent adaptation reinvigorates the timeless ballet with a focus on modern themes, dynamic storytelling, and a rich sense of humanity. Welch’s Raymonda will debut at the Wortham Theater Center, accompanied by Alexander Glazunov’s masterful score and stunning designs by acclaimed Italian designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno.

In this new variation, Welch takes the ballet out of its original time and place, centering the story themes of sisterhood and the power of love. While the original ballet is renowned for its technical brilliance, Welch has imbued the characters with depth and emotion, drawing audiences into the triumphs and challenges faced by Raymonda and her sisters.

“With Raymonda, I wanted to breathe new life into a beautiful classic, giving its characters depth and creating a story that resonates with modern audiences,” said Stanton Welch AM, Artistic Director at Houston Ballet. “This ballet is about love, resilience, and the strength of sisterhood—universal themes that transcend time.”

The plot follows Raymonda, whose heart belongs to one man despite being destined to marry another, but an insidious betrayal by the queen’s trusted advisor threatens to upend her path to happiness.

Set to Glazunov’s vibrant and sensuous score, Raymonda invites audiences to revel in the lush soundscape while marveling at the lavish sets and costumes by Guidi di Bagno. A longtime collaborator with Welch, Guidi di Bagno’s creations promise unforgettable moments, including a breathtaking reveal in Act III designed to elicit audible gasps from the audience.

Houston Ballet is renowned for creating full-length ballets that push artistic boundaries. Welch’s Raymonda joins the ranks of the Company’s celebrated productions like Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake, solidifying its position as a global leader in classical ballet innovation. Presented on the Wortham Theater Center’s Brown Stage—the largest in the city—this larger-than-life production will be displayed in all its grandeur, bringing the sweeping spectacle of Raymonda to life like never before.

Tickets: 

 For more information on Houston Ballet, visit houstonballet.org.

Photos courtesy of Houston Ballet