Repertoire

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71 (selection by Ludovic Morlot)

Free pre-concert talk with concert ticket: includes a pre-concert talk by musicologist and publicist Sofia Martínez Villar to make the experience more enriching. From 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m at the Hall 1 Pau Casals. Ages 8 and up.

Artists

Barcelona Symphony Orchestra
Ludovic Morlot, conductor

Programme

First performed in 1892 at Saint Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, The Nutcracker ballet has eventually become a beloved Christmas tradition around the world. Inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story, adapted by Alexandre Dumas, it evokes the universe of childhood and fantasy.

The Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, who on Christmas Eve receives a mysterious nutcracker from her godfather. When she falls asleep, the toy comes to life and defends the girl from the Mouse King. After defeating him, he transforms into a prince and takes her to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy puts on a grand celebration with spectacular dances before the girl wakes up, not sure whether or not it was all a dream.

These ballet pieces – selected by the orchestra’s principal conductor, Ludovic Morlot – offers an immersion into the universe of Tchaikovsky, a composer known for drawing on romantic emotion, who here imagines simple and captivating melodies. This music full of contrasts and colour – as well as some innovations, such as the use of the celesta to represent the Sugar Plum Fairy – will create a magical atmosphere.

Participation: Els Homes Clàssics of Catalunya Música.