McLachlan inspires new work at Alberta Ballet

Sarah McLachlan is set to collaborate with the Alberta Ballet on a new work based on her music.

Alberta Ballet artistic director Jean Grand-Matre whohas created successful works based on the music of Joni Mitchell and Elton John said his collaboration with McLachlan will include music from her new album, The Laws of Illusion, to be released in June.

"I've picked 40 songs that really inspired me that I find very danceable," Grand-Matre told CBC News.

"And her new album is coming out first in seven years. I've asked her if we can use it. She said absolutely."

McLachlan, who trained as a classical pianist, has worked with symphony orchestras across Canada and will have a hand in crafting her music for dance. In addition to releasing her album, McLachlan has also resurrected the Lilith Fair tour featuring female performers.

Grand-Matre created the popular ballet Fiddle and the Drum, based on the music of Joni Mitchell and his Love Lies Bleeding, based on the music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, is to premiere in May in Calgary.

The McLachlan ballet project was announced Wednesdayin Calgary, as the Alberta Ballet revealed details of its upcoming season.

The season marks the Canadian premiere of Kirk Peterson's The Sleeping Beauty, with sets and costumes designed for London's Royal Ballet. Peterson is the new associate artistic director at the Alberta Ballet.

Grand-Matre also plans an ambitious new telling of The Nutcracker by Edmund Stripe. The production, described as the most lavish Alberta Ballet has ever mounted, will tour to Ottawa and Vancouver, as well as Edmonton and Calgary.

There will be guest performances by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens from Montreal and by Pilobolus Dance Theatre of the U.S.