The Nutcracker Suite is at the heart of the Christmas season in America. It is exciting to bring this to Prescott.
In this premier Prescott holiday event, international alumni of the academy dance to Tchaikovsky’s iconic “Nutcracker Suite” and Frederick Ashton’s “Les Patineurs,” a winter ballet set to the music of Giacomo Meyerbeer, performed by Arizona Philharmonic, Prescott’s professional orchestra. Act II of the Nutcracker will be performed and the entire show runs two hours, including intermission. The outstanding youth Voci Sorella and women›s Una Voce choirs complement these performances with their angelic voices, accompanying the orchestra in the ballet and in Christmas music.
On Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18, there will be a pre-concert discussion at 2 p.m., followed by the performance at 3 p.m. Tickets and information are at AZPhil.org. “Arizona Philharmonic is inspired to collaborate with artists from around the world: critically acclaimed conductor Alexander Walker, Artistic Director Ken Ludden of the world-renowned Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet, and international dancers from as far away as Tokyo. Before each half of the concert, accomplished members of the Yavapai Youth Choirs and Una Voce Women’s Choir will set the mood with Christmas carols beautifully arranged for voice and orchestra, an unforgettable Christmas treat for the whole family,” said AZPhil Executive Director Henry Flurry.
“The Nutcracker Suite is at the heart of the Christmas season in America. It is exciting to bring this to Prescott. Working with live music from AZPhil and youth and women’s choirs, our students, top international guest artists and members of the local arts community make it a celebration to mark the season each year with warmth and love,” added MFAB Artistic Director Ken Ludden.
Both public performances, and Friday’s, Dec. 16 performances for Prescott’s PUSD and other area students are presented by the James Family Trust. “To be able to be a part of bringing together some of the best artists, musicians and dancers to share in something beloved the world over to our community was an opportunity that could not be missed. Not only does it allow everyone to attend the performance in our little corner of the world, but introduces a new generation of PUSD students to one of the most treasured traditions of the holiday season,” said Jenna James of the James Family Trust.
“Una Voce Women’s Choir is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many amazing artists. Sharing the stage with Alexander Walker, Arizona Philharmonic and Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet is an incredible performance experience within our inaugural season,” said Artistic Director Arlene Hardy.
“Yavapai Youth Choir is thrilled to be invited to perform alongside Arizona Philharmonic and the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet and we look forward to many more collaborations in the future. Yavapai Youth Choir is a community youth choir organization consisting of five choirs ages 5 through 18,” said Prescott Unified School District Community Theater Events Manager Amy Van Winkle. QCBN
By Sandra Farrell
Sandra Farrell is a former broadcast and print journalist. More recently, she was press secretary for elected officials and she retired from the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank as media manager. She and her husband and two dogs moved to Prescott a year ago and love all things Prescott.
Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is celebrating its fifth season in Prescott in 2022-2023 as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.
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