Adapting Christmas Classics for Virtual Audiences

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
Merry #TutuTuesday!
— Springfield Ballet (@SpfldBallet) December 8, 2020
Today's The Nutcracker scene is the Battle Scene.
Asleep by the tree w/ her Nutcracker, Clara awakens to life-size Mice & Toy Soldiers. The Mouse King appears & her Nutcracker Prince comes alive as a battle ensues. Clara & the Little Angels watch in dismay. pic.twitter.com/L20iWyZ3s0
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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