The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the return of live performances for The Nutcracker Ballet, featuring the NAU Community Music and Dance Academy. There will be two evening performances, Dec. 3rd and 4th at 7:30 pm, and the Lollipop matinee for families with young children on Saturday the 4th at 2 pm. All performances are at the NAU Ardrey Memorial Auditorium on the campus of Northern Arizona University.
Last year during the height of the pandemic, the FSO and NAU Dance Academy presented an online version of The Nutcracker that went on to win the 2021 Viola Award for Excellence in Performing Arts. “We’re honored to have received community recognition for the creative collaboration between the Symphony and the talented ballet dancers from the NAU Dance Academy, and are thrilled to be able to return to the live stage this year” says Larry Lang, the FSO Executive Director.
“The Nutcracker is a treasured tradition for so many good reasons — it’s extraordinary music, the choreography is spectacular, and it’s a wonderful holiday experience for the whole family. Talented dancers from Flagstaff’s own Community Music and Dance Academy, along with the marvelous musicians of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, come together every year to share this Christmastime classic with our community” says Charles Latshaw, the FSO conductor.
The Nutcracker Ballet, with music by Peter Tchaikovsky performed by the FSO, and choreography by Andrew Needhammer featuring the ballet troupe from the NAU Community Music and Dance Academy, takes place on December 3rd and 4th at Ardrey Auditorium. Tickets are now available online at https://nau.edu/cto/flagstaff-symphony-orchestra/ or by phone at the NAU Central Ticketing Office at (928) 523-5661.
