Calgary/Edmonton, AB - Joni Mitchell was presented with the Alberta Ballet Founder's Award, honouring her commitment to Alberta Ballet, at Tuesday night's Raising the Barre gala fundraiser held at the Jubilee Auditorium.

"Joni has been an inspiration to us all," said Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître, "We can all learn something from her passion for the world we live in. I am honoured that I was able to collaborate with her, and Alberta Ballet will be forever changed by her influence."

The evening featured the world premiere of a very early Joni Mitchell recording, The Way It Is, which had never appeared on any of Mitchell's albums. Alberta Ballet company artists also danced excerpts from Joni Mitchell's The Fiddle and The Drum, the groundbreaking collaboration between Mitchell and Grand-Maître. The Honourable Lindsay Blackett, Alberta's Minister of Culture and Community Spirit, was in attendance along with some of the province's top arts supporters.

Thanks to a special print donated by Ms. Mitchell, the inaugural Raising the Barre evening brought in over $100,000. The funds will go towards furthering Alberta Ballet's artistic development, programming and operations.

"It was vital, at an economic time like this, for us to celebrate the successes of not only our art, but our community," said Executive Director Darryl Lindenbach, "the world is so focused on the negative that we often forget the truly great things we have. On Tuesday night Ms. Mitchell reminded us why supporting the arts is so important and just what is possible if you do."

Alberta Ballet sincerely thanks all those who supported the event and helping to ensure the Company continues to play a vital role in arts development in this province, across the country and around the world.

Media contact:

Samantha Garner, Marketing & Communications Coordinator P: 403-245-4222 ext. 529 | E: samanthag@albertaballet.com