The Nutcracker, op. 71 by Tchaikovsky, P. I., Od (2022/2022), Dirigent Holly Mathieson, Musikhuset Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark

It wouldn't really be Christmas without the Nutcracker in the Musikhuset. Look forward to an authentic Christmas adventure for the whole family with live music. There is a full guarantee of an instant Christmas atmosphere when the Royal Ballet's adventurous family performance The Nutcracker takes the stage in the Great Hall, according to tradition. George Balanchine's popular ballet has enchanted children and adults around the world since 1954, and in Musikhuset it won't really be Christmas until the Nutcracker is brought to life. The Royal Theatre's ballet master, Nikolaj Hübbe, is behind the staging, while Anthony Ward is behind the colorful scenography. In the orchestra pit sits the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra led by Holly Mathieson and completes the experience. Action Clara receives the most amazing nutcracker as a Christmas gift from her godfather Drosselmeier, and at midnight it takes her on a magical journey to the enchanted and enchanting slafferland, where anything can happen. Fantasy and poetry knows no bounds when Clara meets dancing snowflakes and waltzing flowers, icy snow queens and warm-blooded sugar fairies, cheeky mice, marzipan shepherdesses and many, many others on her journey. The wonderful and strange tale of the enigmatic Nutcracker was originally written by the eccentric German writer ETA Hoffmann in 1816. In 1892 Tchaikovsky composed his iconic music for the story, and with its many recognizable, catchy and imaginative themes today it is one of the most beloved works in music history. The Nutcracker is among ballet's greatest classics, and in George Balanchine's masterful version, the magic and the adventure have been turned up all the way. Look forward to an enchanting evening for the whole family!