A Heidelberg Christmas Presents 'The Nutcracker'

Heidelberg has maintained a tradition of presenting portions of G.F. Handel’s Messiah during the Christmas season. This year, the School of Music & Theatre will combine its 129th performance of Messiah with a playful re-creation of the beauty of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The annual concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 15, at the Ritz Theatre.

A Heidelberg Christmas Presents ‘The Nutcracker’ is a two-part celebration and collaboration of all of the School of Music & Theatre’s performing ensembles. Featured ensembles include the Concert Choir, the Chamber Singers, the University-Community Chorus, the Marching Band, the Symphonic Band, the Jazz Band, the Hei-Notes, the Heimonics (acapella group) and Community Music School performers.

The concert’s first half will feature the entire School of Music & Theatre in a collaboration to reimagine the wonder of The Nutcracker. Delight in the Mouse King’s entrance and an ensuing battle on stage with theatrical puppets accompanied by a duel between the Symphonic and Jazz bands. Be transported to a magical land as the Concert Choir performs Eric Whitacre’s Glow. Experience an updated version of Tchaikovsky’s Chocolat as the Hei-Notes tap the audience to Candy Land. Enjoy a few laughs as the Sugar Plum fairies get a makeover … can you imagine tubas in tutus?

For the second half of the concert, Heidelberg returns to the inspirational Christmas classic, Handel’s Messiah. Various arias and choruses will be performed, including the stirring Hallelujah Chorus.  As in years past, the ensembles will be joined by professional soloists, this year including soprano Chelsea Cloeter and husband and wife Jesse Donner, tenor, and Katherine Calcamuggio Donner, alto. Jonathan Waters, assistant professor of music education and director of bands, is the director.

Community members and Heidelberg alumni are invited to sing with the chorus for the Messiah portion of the performance. If interested, please call Pat Page in the School of Music & Theatre at x2073 to reserve your seat on stage.

Tickets are $5 for faculty, staff, students and Berg Bravo! members, and can be purchased from Pat Page in Brenneman. General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased from the Ritz Theatre.