Nobody knows Tchaikovsky like the Russians, which is why the Moscow Ballet?s presentation of the Russian composer?s “The Nutcracker” includes a performance by the Moscow Symphony Orchestra.
Under the direction of maestro Andrei Yakolev, the 40-member orchestra will include the traditional musical numbers “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.”
Artistic director and choreographer Anatoli Emelianov will star as the enchanted Nutcracker Prince. Anastasia Mikheykina, winner of the Vaganova Prix International Ballet Competition; Olga Rozhevic, laureate of the Perm IBC; and Maria Makarenko, soloist with the Marrinski Ballet, will alternate the role of Masha (Clara).
“The principal dancers are from the company that created the ballet,” producer Akiva Talmi said. “So what the Baltimore community will see and hear is not only the pure music performed by the Russians, but the performance that was created over 100 years ago.”
“There?s no other place in town to see ?The Nutcracker? than at the Lyric,” said Sandy Richmond, the Lyric?s executive director. “People are able to view a performance like ?The Nutcracker,? which is historical yet traditional, in a facility thatis both a historical and traditional focal point for the city of Baltimore.”
“It?s the best dancing in the world and the best music played by the Russians as only the Russians can play,” Talmi said.
If you go
Great Russian Nutcracker
» Venue: Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore
» Times: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday
» Cost: $25 to $63
» Info: www.nutcracker.com
