Wooster Symphony Orchestra presents the complete story of The Nutcracker
The Wooster Symphony Orchestra will perform “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” on Friday, Dec. 6. at 7:30 p.m. in McGaw Chapel at The College of Wooster (340 E. University Street). Conducted by Jeffrey Lindberg, professor of music at the College, the concert features Richard Figge, emeritus professor of German studies at Wooster, as the narrator.
The concert will showcase music composed by Peter Tchaikovsky, including material from the original Nutcracker ballet and suite, adapted and arranged by American composer John Mauceri into a 75-minute narration set to music. Mauceri, taking on a personal challenge, revisited E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairy tale and Tchaikovsky’s lesser-known orchestral works. In act two of the ballet, Mauceri found the heart of the original story: a little girl breaking the centuries-old curse in a perfect world of imagination and inclusivity. To bring this vision to life, Mauceri wove in leitmotifs—short, recurring musical phrases—a nod to what Tchaikovsky did in his operas. By bridging story and music into a single orchestral work, Mauceri invites audiences to celebrate the power of the mentor and the commitment of innocent children to inspire a better world.
Artwork by Lachlan Goudie used with permission.
In addition to directing the Wooster Symphony Orchestra, Lindberg teaches courses in jazz history, improvisation, and trombone and directs the Wooster Jazz Ensemble. While at Wooster, Lindberg has drawn attention to lesser-known composers and exposed his students and community members to world-class soloists and compositions. Lindberg is also the co-founder and artistic director of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Chicago’s oldest professional jazz orchestra in continuous operation.
The concert is open to the public. Tickets for the concert cost $10 for adults, with free admission for students, and Wooster faculty, and staff. Tickets can be reserved at Buehler’s Milltown and Towne Market, the Scheide Music Center (525 E. University Street), and at the door before the concert. For more information, contact the Department of Music at jlindberg@wooster.edu or by calling 330-263-2419.
Posted in Event on November 26, 2024.
