The 21st Show

Adapting Christmas Classics for Virtual Audiences

 
Springfield Ballet Company SBC dancers in the final moments of The Waltz of the Snowflakes

Springfield Ballet Company SBC dancers in the final moments of The Waltz of the Snowflakes The Springfield Ballet Company Facebook page

As the pandemic rolls on into the holiday season, performing arts organizations like the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and The Springfield Ballet Company are having to find creative ways to bring performances to audiences in new ways. While the holiday season is typically a time for holiday productions performed in front of live audiences, this year arts organizations are adapting in person Christmas classics for a remote audience. 

You can find them in performance — virtually — throughout the month of December:

The Springfield Ballet Company will perform excerpts from The Nutcracker with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, live at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Free. youtube.com/ilsymphonyorch

The Springfield Ballet Company’s documentary, Through Clara’s Eyes, has broadcasts scheduled now through Jan. 3. $30. SpringfieldBalletCo.org

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s JOY! A Reimagined Holiday Concert, featuring the Ellington-Strayhorn Nutcracker Suite, will be available for streaming beginning Saturday, Dec. 12 through the end of the month. $15. IPOMusic.org

The 21st was joined by the Music Director for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the Artistic Director of The Springfield Ballet Company to speak more about reimagining the performing arts and alternate programming. 

Guests

Stilian Kirov, Music Director for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra 

Julie Ratz, Artistic Director of The Springfield Ballet Company

Where to Watch

The Springfield Ballet Company will perform excerpts from The Nutcracker with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, live at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Free. youtube.com/ilsymphonyorch

The Springfield Ballet Company’s documentary, Through Clara’s Eyes, has broadcasts scheduled now through Jan. 3. $30. SpringfieldBalletCo.org

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s JOY! A Reimagined Holiday Concert, featuring the Ellington-Strayhorn Nutcracker Suite, will be available for streaming beginning Saturday, Dec. 12 through the end of the month. $15. IPOMusic.org

Prepared for web by Zainab Qureshi

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