Dancers of the Washington Ballet Maki Onuki & Mario Elefante Photo: @XMBphotography
“A story written in the 2nd century AD and then sculpted by Antonio Canova in the 18th-century, “Psyche revived by Cupid’s Kiss” is now choreographed in a new version by Mimmo Miccolis. Experience the transformation of such an ancient history according to Mimmo Miccolis’ vision.”
MET.AMOR.PHOSY
Choreography: Mimmo Miccolis
Original Music: JP Wogaman II
Live Violin: Caterina Vannucci
Costumes: Monica Leland
2019 – World Premiere
Dancers: Aurora Mostacci & Oscar Sanchez
MET.AMOR.PHOSY premiered in 2019 at the Gala “L’Italia e la Danza” hosted by the Italian Cultural Society at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC. The evening celebrated the career of internationally renowned choreographer Mimmo Miccolis with a performance and a conversation led by art critic Renato Miracco, featuring Julie Kent, Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet. The Gala also included an Italian-style Aperitivo, formal dinner, Silent Auction, and the ICS Scholarship Awards Ceremony, enriched by a live piano performance.
The work was also presented on April 24 and 29, 2019 at City Winery as part of The Washington Ballet – Dance for All.
2025 – New Creation
Dancers: Maki Onuki & Mario Elefante (The Washington Ballet)
Live Music: JP Wogaman (piano) & Caterina Vannucci (violin)
On the occasion of Italy’s Republic Day 2025, MET.AMOR.PHOSY was commissioned by the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC (@italyinusa) and presented on June 2, 2025 as part of the official celebrations.
Inspired by Antonio Canova’s masterpiece Amore e Psiche, the choreography reimagines the timeless myth as a modern ritual. Through movement and music, it transforms the sculptural gesture into a metaphor of care, trust, and transformation, offering a poetic reflection on the power of human connection in contemporary society.
The music, composed specifically for the piece by JP Wogaman, creates a dialogue between classicism and modernity, enriched by the live performance of Caterina Vannucci on violin.
MET.AMOR.PHOSY is both an homage to Canova’s genius and a living work that bridges tradition and contemporaneity — a piece that continues to evolve, finding new resonance with each performance.
Live Music: JP Wogaman (piano) & Caterina Vannucci (violin) – PHOTOS: @XMBphotography
Photo: David Cieslikowski Photography
