One of the most beloved ballets of all time, and a richly rewarding entertainment experience, “Giselle” is an ethereal tale of immortal love and redemption that warms the soul.

State Street Ballet’s premiere of the classic, accompanied by the Santa Barbara Symphony, opens the 2023-24 ballet season.

Performances are at The Granada Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22.

This season’s production will be full-scale, with an enlarged ensemble of professional dancers, the professional symphony orchestra, and staging by artistic director Megan Philipp, and rehearsal directors Marina Fliagina and Chauncey Parsons.

Choreography is by Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa. The music was written by Adolphe Adam, and conducted by Nir Kabaretti, Santa Barbara Symphony music and artistic director.

“It is always a joy to collaborate with State Street Ballet, especially on one of the most celebrated classical ballets,” said Kabaretti.

“The score has some of the most beautiful symphonic pages ever written for the stage,” he continued. “Synchronising the music played in the orchestra pit with the choreography on stage always creates a magical experience.”

“Giselle” is the saga of a peasant girl, a romance, and a shocking revelation. Haunted by spirits doomed to dance through darkness, with emotions ranging from celebration to betrayal, and finally the redemption of tender forgiveness, Giselle is an age-old love story.

The title role of Giselle will be danced by guest artist Nerea Barrondo, who was a dancer with the company last season. Ryan Lenkey will perform the role of Albrecht in his first principal classical role since he joined State Street Ballet in 2021.

Tickets for Giselle can be purchased online from The Granada box office.

The four-performance 2023/24 season package offers a 20% discount and is available here, or by calling the box office, 805-899-2222.

For more about State Street Ballet, visit statestreetballet.com.