Type: Ballet
Composer: Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Venue: The Mariinsky Theater, Russia
Company: The Mariinsky Ballet
Soloists: Alina Somova, Vladimir Shklyarov, Elena Yevseyeva
Choreography: Marius Petipa, Vasily Vainonen
Orchestra: The Mariinsky Theater Orchestra
Conductor: Valery Gergiev
Year: 2017

The original 1892 premiere of The Nutcracker was at this same theater. Now enjoy a traditional performance of the ultimate ballet with live orchestra. This is the classic among classics. Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is presented with wondrous sets, stunning costumes and sharp performances with classic choreography. Staging emphasizes youth and imagination. The Mariinsky dancers are trained with softness, fluidity and a musicality that is “sung”. The Mariinsky Orchestra is the finest interpreter.