“Iris”
Choreographed by Claudia Schreier
Photo by Alex Markow courtesy of NWS
Photo by Alex Markow courtesy of NWS
Choreographic Concerto Part I
The Choreographic Concerto was a world-premiere collaboration between the New World Symphony (NWS) and the Miami City Ballet, held at the New World Center in Miami Beach from April 17–19, 2026. It featured five newly commissioned works pairing 10 of today's leading composers and choreographers. All five works had costume designs by Spiridonakou.
Sarah Kirkland Snider and Claudia Schreier (credit: Kim Kenney)
About the Music
Iris is a short work written for the New World Symphony’s American Dance Odyssey to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Reflecting on this moment in history and the challenges our country currently faces, I found myself thinking about compassion, empathy, and kindness. ‘Iris’ seemed an apt title: it could mean the flower, which symbolizes hope and wisdom, or it could refer to the part of the eye that lets light in. With gratitude to the New World Symphony and choreographer Claudia Schreier for this collaboration.
— Sarah Kirkland Snider
About the Choreography
Iris takes its inspiration from Sarah Kirkland Snider’s eponymous composition, a lush score marked by swells of tension and impassioned hope. The ballet features three couples, each with a distinct dynamic, woven together as one.
— Claudia Schreier
Watch an Excerpt
Except from New World Symphony’s WALL CAST performance of “Iris” (Part I of the Choreographic Concerto), on April 18th, 2026 at the New World Center in Miami Beach, FL.
Iris concept © Spiridonakou