Holiday classics, The First Coast Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah will be performed with the Jacksonville Symphony this month.
A production that has been enchanting Jacksonville for more than 40 years, the Jacksonville Symphony’s First Coast Nutcracker will be performed on Dec. 14-16. This is the only performance of “The Nutcracker” in the area with a full, live symphony orchestra. In total, there are 350 different costumes seen throughout the performance. With world-class artists and a 15-foot Nutcracker tree in the lobby, the event presents entertainment in and out of the theater. Once again, the ballet has been choreographed by Rhonda Stampalia, who has been the artistic director/choreographer for the First Coast Nutcracker since 1998.
Performances for the First Coast Nutcracker will be at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 in the Jim and Jan Moran Theater at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts.
Handel’s Messiah, thought to be “the greatest story ever told … the most majestic music ever conceived,” will be presented by the Jacksonville Symphony and Symphony Chorus Dec. 15-16.
The performances are 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 in the Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts.
Jacksonville Symphony Associate Conductor Nathan Aspinall will lead both performances of Messiah.
The Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Donald McCullough, is an all-volunteer group of individuals from all walks of life who have a love of singing choral music. The 100 members must audition to participate.
For more information about the upcoming performances or the symphony, visit JaxSymphony.org.
