Rocky Mountain PBS and Colorado Ballet Partner to Broadcast MasterWorks 2026 Across Colorado
Ballet’s Annual Repertory Program to Air Statewide October 1 and Stream on RMPBS+
DENVER, CO (August 25, 2026) — Rocky Mountain PBS and Colorado Ballet today announced a partnership to bring Colorado Ballet’s acclaimed 2026 MasterWorks program to audiences across the state through a televised broadcast and streaming presentation. The special program will air on October 1 at 7 p.m. on Rocky Mountain PBS and will also be available to stream online through RMPBS+.
The broadcast extends the reach of one of Colorado Ballet’s signature productions, giving audiences throughout the state the opportunity to experience world-class ballet from the comfort of their homes.
“We are thrilled to share our 2026 MasterWorks program with audiences across Colorado through this partnership with Rocky Mountain PBS,” said Gil Boggs, Artistic Director of Colorado Ballet. “Each year, MasterWorks showcases the extraordinary artistry, versatility, and technical excellence of our dancers through a dynamic mix of classical and contemporary works. This broadcast will make the beauty and power of ballet accessible to even more Coloradans while helping us celebrate the launch of our 2026-2027 season, which begins in October with Don Quixote.”
“This partnership allows us to bring the wonder of ballet directly to Coloradans in their own homes, making these incredible cultural works available to everyone,” said Amanda Mountain, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Public Media.
Colorado Ballet’s 2026 MasterWorks program highlights the transformative power of art to heal, inspire and revolutionize through three distinct works set to iconic music. Audiences will see George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring and the world premiere of S. Rachmaninoff by choreographer Yoshihisa Arai, commissioned by Colorado Ballet. The production features live music performed by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra.
The broadcast was produced with support from Duke Hartman, a Rocky Mountain Public Media board member who serves as a producer on the program.
Programming Information
- Colorado Ballet MasterWorks
- Air Date: October 1, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Channel: Rocky Mountain PBS
- Streaming: Available online through RMPBS+
About S. Rachmaninoff
S. Rachmaninoff, a world premiere commissioned by Colorado Ballet from acclaimed choreographer Yoshihisa “Yoshi” Arai, explores composer Sergei Rachmaninoff’s journey from despair to redemption. Inspired by the story behind Piano Concerto No. 2, the ballet traces the composer’s struggle following the failure of his First Symphony and his eventual artistic rebirth. The work is a moving portrait of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of art. S. Rachmaninoff is generously underwritten by Victoria and Sam Phares. MasterWorks was sponsored by Denver Ballet Guild.
About Concerto Barocco
Concerto Barocco, George Balanchine’s neoclassical masterpiece, transforms Bach’s Double Violin Concerto into pure movement. Known for its clarity, musicality, and athleticism, this light and uplifting ballet is considered essential Balanchine.
About The Rite of Spring
Glen Tetley’s The Rite of Spring, a groundbreaking interpretation of Stravinsky’s revolutionary score, blends classical and contemporary ballet. This visceral work explores sacrifice, renewal, and raw physicality. This performance was part of The Glen Tetley Legacy’s 2026 Centenary Celebration, an international extravaganza celebrating the choreographic works of Glen Tetley.
About Rocky Mountain Public Media
Rocky Mountain Public Media (RMPM) is Colorado’s largest statewide, member-supported multimedia network, home to Rocky Mountain PBS, KUVO JAZZ, and THE DROP 104.7. RMPM is a nonprofit committed to enhancing Colorado through meaningful media. It fosters learning, creativity, compassion, and curiosity, making these accessible to all. RMPM aims to initiate conversations, support everyone, honor Colorado's diverse history, and work with local communities to build a better future.
About Rocky Mountain PBS
Rocky Mountain PBS is committed to inspiring curiosity and promoting lifelong learning through outstanding programming. We focus on breaking stigmas and highlighting diverse cultures by telling genuine stories from communities across Colorado, providing firsthand perspectives from residents. Each month, more than a million Coloradans rely on us for thought-provoking local, national, and international programs, top-tier performances, and engaging events that unite families and neighbors for memorable, enriching experiences. By educating, informing, and connecting, Rocky Mountain PBS continues to serve as a vital resource for discovery, varied viewpoints, and meaningful educational opportunities.
About Colorado Ballet
Colorado Ballet presents exceptional classical ballet and innovative contemporary dance through performances, training, education, and community engagement, inspiring diverse audiences in Denver and beyond. Founded in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, the nonprofit company performs annually at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and is home to 43 professional dancers and 17 studio company dancers from around the world. Under Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet performs classics, full-length story ballets, and its annual repertory program MasterWorks. Its Academy serves more than 1,200 students annually, while Education & Community Engagement reaches more than 47,000 people through schools, organizations, and accessible programs.
For its 66th season, which kicks off in October, the company will present five productions with music performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra—Don Quixote (Presented in memory of Frank and Roselyn Hopkins), The Nutcracker (Presented by PNC Bank), Romeo and Juliet (Colorado premiere; Presented by Mary Ellen and David Wright), The Wizard of Oz and MasterWorks (Sponsored by The Denver Ballet Guild and Stifel—The Baroway Financial Group), the ballet’s annual repertory production.
