Legendary Canadian musician and artist Joni Mitchell and acclaimed choreographer Jean Grand-Maître, artistic director of the Alberta Ballet, have come together to create a unique, contemporary tableau of dance, art and music.

The Fiddle and The Drum, a semi-abstract narrative ballet danced in neo-classical style, will be performed at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in February to an hour of Mitchell's compelling music - with her latest artwork projected on three large screens behind Alberta Ballet dancers.

Grand-Maître and Dr. Kathleen Scherf, dean of the Faculty of Communication and Culture, will discuss this unique collaboration at an event hosted by Dr. Anne Flynn, head of the U of C's dance program.

Scherf will bring insight into how art can transform our perceptions and understanding of social concerns. Grand-Maître will discuss the challenges in creating a multi-media ballet and his first-hand experience in collaborating with Mitchell.

The talk, followed by questions from the audience, takes place Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Evans Room of the Rozsa Centre.

The world premiere of The Fiddle and The Drum will run for three consecutive evenings at the Jubilee Auditorium from Feb. 8 to 10, 2007.