Dance Theatre of Harlem and Gateways Festival Orchestra team up for “Firebird”

The world-renowned dance institution, Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH), announces Stravinsky’s iconic score for FIREBIRD will be performed by the Gateways Festival Orchestra, the flagship ensemble of Gateways Music Festival during its New York Season April 16-19 at New York City Center — bringing two leading organizations together for the first time.

The Gateways Festival Orchestra will be comprised of 58 Black professional classical musicians drawn from leading symphony orchestras, elite conservatory faculties, and the international freelance community. The collaboration marks a rare and significant artistic convergence between two legacy institutions, while the presence of a full live orchestra distinguishes this production of FIREBIRD within the New York dance landscape. The musicians’ collective artistry will elevate Stravinsky’s masterpiece with cultural resonance and depth, amplifying the power and brilliance of DTH’s dancers. Renowned award-winning conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson will conduct the Orchestra on April 16, 18, and 19. Tania León, Pulitzer Prize-winning conductor, composer and first music director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, will conduct the Orchestra on Vision Gala Night on April 17.

“To perform FIREBIRD in collaboration with Dance Theatre of Harlem—a fellow legacy institution we’ve long admired—is a historic cultural moment. That Gateways can partner in this pivotal way is living history in motion, and a testament to the power of Black artistry across generations.”  – Alex Laing, President and Artistic Director – Gateways Music Festival

“At Dance Theatre of Harlem, we have so much to honor and uplift as we revive our beloved FIREBIRD. I trust Mr. Mitchell would’ve been proud to see how far we’ve come, expanding the rich foundation he’s built and doing so with Gateways Festival Orchestra – a mission-aligned institution rooted in legacy much like our own. On behalf of the entire Dance Theatre of Harlem family, we are proud to revive our signature performance of FIREBIRD and share its magic with generations old and new.” – Robert Garland, Artistic Director – Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 2026 New York season highlights the organization’s dynamic repertory that bridges tradition and innovation. See more details on the New York season below:

Thursday, April 16 | 7:30PM – Dance Community Night

Blake Works IV (The Barre Project) – Choreography by William Forsythe

Passage of Being – Choreography by Jodie Gates

New Bach – Choreography by Robert Garland

Firebird – Choreography by John Taras

Saturday, April 18 | 7:30PM – Divine Nine/HBCU Night

(All Are Welcome Regardless of Affiliation)

Higher Ground – Choreography by Robert Garland

The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude – Choreography by William Forsythe

Nyman String Quartet No. 2 – Choreography by Robert Garland

Firebird – Choreography by John Taras

Sunday, April 19 | 3PM – Meet the Ballerina Matinee

Blake Works IV (The Barre Project) – Choreography by William Forsythe

Nyman String Quartet No. 2 – Choreography by Robert Garland

Passage of Being – Choreography by Jodie Gates

Firebird – Choreography by John Taras

Copyright Notice: This image is for Public Relations use only by GATEWAYS MUSIC FESTIVAL and may not be used for any other commercial purposes without written permission from Strategic Image. It may only be used in stories directly related to GATEWAYS MUSIC FESTIVAL. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. This image is not transferable to any third party. Use on personal social media profiles is permitted only if proper credit and tagging are applied. Photo credit and tagging are mandatory for all uses. Photo credit: Shahar Azran Tag: @ShaharAzran1

Copyright Notice: This image is for Public Relations use only by GATEWAYS MUSIC FESTIVAL and may not be used for any other commercial purposes without written permission from Strategic Image. It may only be used in stories directly related to GATEWAYS MUSIC FESTIVAL. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. This image is not transferable to any third party. Use on personal social media profiles is permitted only if proper credit and tagging are applied. Photo credit and tagging are mandatory for all uses. Photo credit: Shahar Azran Tag: @ShaharAzran1

Musicians in the 2022 Gateways Music Festival Orchestra Concert perform with conductor Anthony Parnther and pianist Jon Batiste in the orchestra’s Carnegie Hall debut in New York City April 24, 2022. The performance was the first by an all-Black classical symphony orchestra in Carnegie Hall’s history. // photo by J. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester

On Friday, April 17, 2026, Dance Theatre of Harlem will host the Vision Gala – a signature fundraising event supporting Dance Theatre of Harlem’s artistic season and the Dance Theatre of Harlem School. The evening will be hosted by a distinguished host committee spanning art, film, fashion and cultural criticism including Isolde Brielmaier, Sandrine Charles, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Antwaun Sargent, Bevy Smith and Mickalene Thomas.

Each year, DTH honors a visionary with the Arthur Mitchell Vision Award – a testament to that individual’s work which reflects the legacy and mission of DTH’s co-founder Arthur Mitchell. For the 2026 Vision Gala, Dance Theatre of Harlem will honor Fatima Robinson, the groundbreaking choreographer and creative director whose influence across music, film, fashion, and culture has challenged the status quo of contemporary visual storytelling. Additionally, DTH is proud to acknowledge and honor media executive and philanthropist, Scott Mills with the Virtuoso Award.

Previous Vision Gala honorees include Darren Walker, Debbie Allen, Misty Copeland, Jessye Norman, and other luminaries whose work has advanced the arts and expanded access to creative expression.

The Vision Gala will begin with a 6:30PM performance at New York City Center, featuring tribute performances by the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Following the performance, guests will gather for dinner and dancing at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, continuing the celebration of artistic excellence and cultural vision. Entertainment for the evening will be led by DJ D-Nice and Kenny Burns, who will handle music and MC duties, respectively.

For Vision Gala tickets and additional information, please contact events@dancetheatreofharlem.org.