IMAGINATIONS BURN BRIGHT FOR PACIFIC SYMPHONY’S ENCHANTING “NUTCRACKER FOR KIDS,” FEATURING DANCERS FROM FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE AND PLENTY OF HOLIDAY MAGIC
Plus, Santa drops by for a sing-along with the Maestro—and Musical Carnival includes the Pacific Harp Ensemble and other special guests!
Children’s eyes light up as the land of sugar plum fairies comes alive with music and dance during Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings annual holiday favorite, “Nutcracker for Kids.”
Taking place Saturday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, this 45-minute version of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet is designed for children of all ages, but especially those ages 5-11.
Led by Assistant Conductor Maxim Eshkenazy, the Symphony welcomes back dancers from Festival Ballet Theatre (FBT) to help tell the tale of Clara, a girl who receives an extraordinary gift—a nutcracker that magically turns into a prince!
After a fierce battle with the Mouse King, “Waltz of the Flowers” and the beautiful “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” two of many dances, provide a special holiday experience for families to share.
Adding to the fun, it’s rumored that Santa may stop by for a holiday sing-along with the Maestro! But don’t wait—this popular seasonal concert usually sells out. Tickets for the concert are $24-$41; for more information call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.
“‘The Nutcracker’ is a true living classic,” says Maestro Eshkenazy. “It’s a story that I was told by my parents, and my parents were told by their parents. It’s a beautiful fairytale, and we love to tell stories, especially ones that are told along with some of the best music ever written.”
“Our version of ‘The Nutcracker’ is a really fun, unique and special production, unlike anything else in the area,” adds Mollie Gilmore, director of educational concerts and family programs. “It’s one of the only versions performed to a live orchestra in the county, and it is expressed in such a way that holds a child’s attention, which families especially appreciate.”
In addition to the concert, guests are invited to attend the Symphony’s Musical Carnival, beginning at 9 a.m. (for the 10 a.m. concert) and 12:15 p.m. (for the 11:30 a.m. concert), with a performance by the Pacific Harp Ensemble, founded by Pacific Symphony’s own harpist Mindy Ball. This year, the carnival spotlights percussion instruments including the harp, tambourine, ratchet, and celesta, which all have a special role in “The Nutcracker.” Children can play these percussion instruments at the Musical Petting Zoo, meet the dancers of FBT and sit on Santa’s lap.
FBT, founded in 1988 by Salwa Rizkalla, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the artistic enrichment of the Orange County community through professional productions, educational programs and by providing a nurturing and intensive artistic home base to some of Southern California’s most talented young dancers. The dancers appearing in this production are students of Southland Ballet Academy (SBA), the official school of FBT.
Founded in 1983, SBA provides the professional level of training in classical ballet that students require before joining the company.
The Symphony is bringing another familiar ballet to Family Musical Mornings on May 7, 2011, with Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty,” where children may recognize music from the film adaptation by Disney. But until then, there’s “Peter and the Wolf” with Magic Circle Mime Company on Feb. 5, and “Beethoven’s Blockbusters,” a fast-paced concert designed just for kids, on March 12. Family Musical Mornings concerts are presented by Farmers and Merchants Bank.
Pacific Symphony
(714) 755-5799
www.PacificSymphony.org.
