BALANCHINE FESTIVAL: George Balanchine’s “Serenade” is among the ballets to be performed by the New York City Ballet September 18-October 1 at the David H. Koch Theatre in New York’s Lincoln Center, as part of a tribute to the late choreographer, who co-founded the company 75 years ago. (Photo by Erin Baiano)

New York City Ballet opens its 75th anniversary season Tuesday, September 19 with seven performances of George Balanchine’s Jewels, considered the first three-act, abstract ballet ever created. Following that week, the season continues with an exploration of works by Balanchine, which are the foundation of the company’s repertory.

Among the many works to be performed are Apollo, Agon, Western Symphony, La Sonnambula, Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2, Prodigal Son, Theme and Variations, and Bourrée Fantasque.

The opening night performance will include a special tribute to the more than 750 dancers who have performed with New York City Ballet since its inception, with more than 250 alumni dancers in attendance. A large-scale video installation by David Michalek will be displayed each night on the façade of the theater.

For ticket information, visit nycballet.com.