Above: Principal dancer Lauren Fadeley and soloist James Ihde in George Balanchine’s “Serenade.” Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.

‘There’s a first time for everything,’ or so the saying goes. But let us not forget that ‘the third time’s the charm.’ Interestingly enough, the Pennsylvania Ballet has found a way to put both of these popular idioms into play for its upcoming production, “A Program of Firsts,” during which the Knight Arts grantee will present three ballets that each represent ‘firsts’ of one kind or another.

George Balanchine’s “Serenade” kicks off the program with the 1935 milestone of dance that is set to Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C, Op. 48. This piece represents Balanchine’s first ballet choreographed in America and consists of four different stylistic movements including “Sonatina,” “Waltz,” “Russian Dance” and “Elegy.” The latter two movements reverse the order of Tchaikovsky’s original score, and the piece as a whole aims primarily to capture the emotional content of the music. It’s worth noting that Balanchine includes unexpected events that happened during the creation of the ballet, such as dancers falling or arriving late, in the final version.

“Serenade” is followed by a world premiere by choreographer in residence Matthew Neenan, whose work gives the audience a chance to step into the mind of a performer. Throughout the piece, viewers are taken through the emotional tolls that performers face both on and off the stage. The piece also features a newly composed orchestral score by Troy Herion. “This piece is a reflection on what a dancer’s memory might be like,” explains Neenan. “Troy and I worked hard to make a structure for the composition that would feel Baroque and modern at the same time.”

Finally, the Pennsylvania Ballet will perform the North American premiere of Liam Scarlett’s “Asphodel Meadows.” Created for the Royal Ballet in 2010, the music for this piece is Francis Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos in D Minor, which features a dialogue between the two instruments, and is also mirrored in the movements of three principal couples as they dance to a score that quickly shifts in mood throughout the duration.

“This program brings together classical scores as well as modern touches,” said Artistic Director Angel Corella. “These ballets showcase how our artists’ technical abilities can be used to create emotional and moving performances for our audience.”

May 12 marks the opening of “A Program of Firsts” at the Academy of Music, and tickets are available now. Arrive early to experience the introductory Preludes program, in which various company members, artistic and administrative staff, and visiting artists discuss performances, take questions and offer unmatched insights. Preludes sessions are free and open to ticket holders for the day listed on the ticket; they begin one hour prior to showtime. The production will run through May 15.