The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will be bringing classical ballet piece, The Nutcracker Suite, to life with Fraser Valley Academy of Dance next weekend.
The two are collaborating on Dec. 10 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre with a mix of orchestral music and ballet performed during the first half of the annual CSO Christmas concert.
Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker has, for decades, been an enchanting seasonal favourite for the entire family, young and old.
“We love having the opportunity to present our traditional take on the Nutcracker, and trying to exceed expectations in any way we can,” says CSO music director Paula DeWit. “Well known for their elegant costumes, incredibly talented dancers, and beautiful choreography, the dance academy makes a great fit for our Nutcracker performance as an ideal holiday tradition.”
The second half of the evening’s entertainment will include an eclectic offering of choirs, harps, and more dancers. In fact, for this portion of the concert, local performers range in age from childhood all the way to retirees, and they have all been ardently rehearsing over the past several months.
There is nothing quite like the gorgeous sound of a choir and harp together, most especially in the Christmas season. Some might even say it’s heavenly.
Miya Otake will be performing on her full sized concert harp. Her harp is as dramatic and beautiful looking as it sounds.
Specially arranged for two harps, Otake will be joining her student, Mayu Okazaki, in a duet of Silent Night.
She will also join the Chilliwack Children’s Choir in a lovely Dona Nobis Pacem.
A handful of youth from the Chilliwack Dance School will, together with the CSO chorus, present a special tribute to Charlie Brown.
Additionally, the CSO chorus will sing several classical and contemporary yuletide selections with the orchestra.
To further enhance the festive atmosphere, princesses from Ever After Princess Party Events will be in attendance in the lobby to distribute Christmas treats to younger members of the audience.
The Nutcracker, and so much more, will all be performed at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: adult $25-$35, plus family and student rates are available. For ticket info, call 604-391-SHOW (7469) or go online to chilliwackculturalcentre.ca.