Philharmonia Orchestra to Present ‘The Battle of the Sexes: Marin Alsop Conducts Balls’
By Afton Markay(Photo credit: Chris Christodoulou)
Marin Alsop will lead the Philharmonia Orchestra in the UK premiere and world premiere performance of Karpman and Gail Collins’ “Balls” with a full orchestra.
Mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz takes on the role of Billie Jean King with tenor Nicky Spence as Bobby Riggs. Lotte Betts Dean, Eve Pearson Maxwell, Oliver Barker, and Mia Serracino-Inglott are among the cast. At this performance, the Philharmonia Orchestra are inviting volunteers to be part of the ‘tennis crowd,’ based in the choir stalls.
“Balls” tells the story of the famous 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between King and Riggs. Watched by over 90 million TV viewers worldwide, the match became a cultural flashpoint in the fight for gender equality. King’s triumph marked an important moment in the women’s liberation movement.
The first half of the concert will include Walton’s “Façade” and a preconcert discussion on music and gender. The premiere performance opens on Nov. 20, 2025 at the Royal Festival Hall.
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