Solange Knowles makes history with New York City Ballet

Beyoncé’s younger sister Solange Knowles has been selected by the New York City Ballet to write a piece of original music for a forthcoming ballet production, the company said on Monday. The Grammy Award-winning singer is now the second woman of color and the first Black woman to write a score for a show by the more than 70-year-old organization.

The 36-year-old singer and songwriter revealed on social media that she composed the music for the Fall Fashion Gala. On September 28, 2022, a celebration of the organization’s tenth anniversary will be held at Lincoln Center in New York City, where vice chair Sarah Jessica Parker will be honored.

According to the New York Times, the “Cranes in the Sky” singer’s piece is set to be performed by a chamber ensemble that includes members of the City Ballet orchestra and several of Solange’s frequent collaborators.

The production will be performed later this year on October 1, 8, 11, and 16, following its debut during the Fashion Gala.

According to the publication, the play will also be shown five more times during the company’s 2023 spring season on May 2, 11, 13, 17 and 18.

Solange’s mom reacts

Solange’s mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, has expressed her deep excitement following the latest feat achieved by her multi-Grammy-winning daughter on Instagram. 

“I am beyond proud of Solange ! She is always kicking down doors and opening doors for other artists of Color!” she wrote in the caption.

“Now she has written and composed the most beautiful musical Piece for the New York Ballet,” she continued. “Solange is the Third woman and the First Black woman to compose a piece for the New York Ballet!!’ Congratulations my little genius. I love you and I’m so proud! Keep on opening doors.”

She mentioned Solange’s other artistic performances in 2017 in venues like the Chinati Foundation in Texas, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg in Germany, and the Guggenheim in New York. For the 2019 finale of the 58th Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition, Solange exhibited another artistic work.

The multi-hyphenated artist’s foray into another area of her creativity has fans in the comments section giddy with excitement.

Supermodel Beverly Johnson wrote, “Wow… This is tremendous!! Brilliant Woman.” 

A social media user said, “Solange is such a great artist in so many mediums. congrats,” and another user added, “Congrats for both daughters Mrs. Tina.”

Since dance was Solange’s first exposure to the world of performance, this is sort of a full-circle moment for her. From the age of three till the age of 13, she committed herself to serious ballet study. “My dream was to go to Juilliard,” she told The New York Times in 2018.

The Juilliard School is renowned for producing some of the most talented and illustrious artists, performers, and entertainers through its performing arts program. Actresses and singers like Stephanie Mills, Viola Davis, and Danielle Brooks are just a few examples of alumni.