Edward Stewart

Poised to begin its 15th year of bringing the joys of classical dance to local audiences, the Ballet Theatre of Annapolis has announced the details of its new season.Performances begin Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, with guest artists Cynthia Harvey and Wes Chapman, both principal dancers with the American Ballet Theatre in New York City. They will perform Act II of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and the Grand Pas de Deux from "Sleeping Beauty."Also on the program are the world premiere of "Passion" by composer Leonard Moses, and "Sapphire Romance," which features music from Rachmaninoff's impassioned Piano Concerto No. 2. Both are creations of Edward Stewart, BTA's artistic director.

Edward Sinman, former vice president of Stewart & Co. Department Stores, whose career in retail management spanned three decades, died of a brain aneurysm yesterday at Sinai Hospital. He was 83.Funeral services for Mr. Sinman were scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow at the Sol Levinson Funeral Home, 6010 Reisterstown Road.For 25 years, Mr. Sinman worked for Stewart & Co., a chain with six Baltimore locations. Hired in 1945 as merchandise manager, Mr. Sinman became vice president and managed the Reisterstown Road Plaza store until he retired.

Edward Stewart, artistic director of the Ballet Theatre of Annapolis, is decidedly ambitious. Unfortunately, Mr. Stewart's choreographic ambition far exceeded his dramatic grasp. How else can one explain the disappointing choreography that Mr. Stewart's dancers bravely struggled through this weekend at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis?Fortunately, BTA's performance was bolstered by the guest appearance of local pianist and composer Stefan Scaggiari, whose considerable musical talents and performance savvy warmly charmed the audience.