Arts & Culture

UK Stars to Shine at WEG Opening Ceremonies

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2010) − As the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) take center stage tomorrow at the Kentucky Horse Park, the cast of horses and athletes will be joined by a number of local talents who are no stranger to the spotlight. Several of the University of Kentucky's own stars will participate in the pageantry and excitement of the opening ceremonies. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, and will also be broadcast on most of the state’s NBC affiliates.

The opening ceremonies will see a cast of nearly 1,500 people, ages 8 to 80, joining almost 200 horses from around the world for a celebration of dreams that will play tribute to the Games’ American debut. With scenes of the prairie, Broadway, the Wild West, and the Deep South, the show will journey through the history of horses and man, as well as iconic moments in U.S. history and culture.

UK's own talented students will be among 40 different acts to be featured, including Kentuckian Wynonna Judd; opera stars Denyce Graves, UK Endowed Chair of Music Cynthia Lawrence, UK Artist in Residence and alumnus Gregory Turay and Ronan Tynan; Sara Lee Guthrie; Cherryholmes; and Jazz at Lincoln Center among other notables. World-renowned boxing legend, humanitarian, global icon and Kentucky native Muhammad Ali will also make a special appearance. Besides Lawrence, the university will be represented by the UK Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of John Nardolillo; UK Chorale; UK Choristers; UK Men's Chorus; UK Women's Choir; UK Trumpet Ensemble; UK Percussion Ensemble; UK Opera Theatre; the UK Cheerleaders and UK Dance Team. The entire opening and closing ceremonies are being staged by a production company led by Everett McCorvey, director of UK Opera Theatre.

The following Kentucky NBC affiliates will be carrying the live show: WLEX, Lexington;  WAVE, Louisville; WLWT, Cincinnati; WNKY, Bowling Green; WPSD, Paducah; and WFIE, Evansville, Ind.

Opening ceremony tickets are still available but selling quickly. To experience it in person, secure your tickets today at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets or 1-888-934-2010. An opening ceremonies app is also now available for $0.99 download.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, visit www.alltechfeigames.com.