On Monday, November 29th the Louisville Ballet joins Orchestra Kentucky for a performance of selections from Tchaikovsky’s ageless classic, The Nutcracker at Van Meter Hall on Western Kentucky University’s campus. The Louisville Ballet will present elements of its newest edition, the Brown Forman Nutcracker; featuring new choreography by one of ballet’s most sought after choreographers, Val Caniparoli, and new costumes by veteran designer Peter Cazalet. 

“I am extremely excited about our collaboration with the renowned Louisville Ballet,” commented Maestro Jeffrey Reed. “We are delighted to bring a professional presentation of the best parts of this masterpiece to audiences here in south central Kentucky.”

Extending the collaborative nature of the production, local dance students will have been auditioned, rehearsed and cast as the corps de ballet.  Martha Madison, Director of Dance Arts of Bowling Green, is excited to be part of the production. “This is a great opportunity for young dance students.  We have, in the past, participated in Nutcrackers with professional ensembles, but this is the first time we will have performed with a live, professional orchestra as well.” Students from Kathy Leonard’s Dance Images will also be participating.

Dwight Hutton, Louisville Ballet Executive Director, is looking forward to the experience.  “It is very exciting to be partnering with Orchestra Kentucky.  Bruce Simpson, Louisville Ballet Artistic Director, and I are thrilled to be able to bring our amazing dancers to an entirely new audience, especially at the beautifully renovated Van Meter Hall.  While one will still have to come to Louisville to see the entire production of our Brown-Forman Nutcracker, the selections we’ll be performing with Orchestra Kentucky will demonstrate several of the exquisite costumes created for this new endeavor.”

The concert begins with a collection of Christmas classics made popular by the Boston Pops, featuring Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival, Carol of the Bells and Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.

Selections from The Nutcracker will be performed November 29th in the newly renovated Van Meter Hall at 7:30 pm.  There will be a pre-concert talk with Maestro Reed at 6:45 in the hall.  Free shuttle service is available from Mariah’s at State Street and the Adams Street parking lot.  Valet parking is $10.

Call 270-846-2426 or visit OrchestraKentucky.com.

Variety in Programming Series is sponsored by Carol and Denny Wedge. This concert is made possible by the Rogers-Tomblison Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.