Westmoreland Symphony season includes new 'Nutcracker' ballet partner
After a season of virtual concerts and a summer of outdoor community performances, the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra is returning to the stage of The Palace Theatre in Greensburg.
The 2021-22 season will include two Dec. 11 performances of the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” paired this year with Pittsburgh-based Texture Contemporary Ballet.
The symphony found out how important “The Nutcracker” was to the community when its previous partner, Laurel Ballet, closed in 2020.
Other ballet companies began reaching out to see if the symphony was interested in a new partner, said WSO Executive Director Endy Reindl.
“It was gratifying to know that this truly is a community tradition in the finest sense,” he said.
The collaboration with Texture came about through WSO’s connection with the company’s founder and artistic and executive director, Alan Obuzor, who previously had danced the role of the Cavalier with Laurel Ballet.
“Alan was aware of what would work in our situation, and he really has a zest to carry this on,” Reindl said.
The December production will feature both professional dancers and students from Texture’s school, he added.
“It is a beautiful thing when artists, people and organizations come together,” Obuzor said. “I’m very excited for Texture and the WSO to be collaborating to present the timeless holiday tradition of ‘The Nutcracker.’ ”
The season opens Oct. 23 with Mozart’s “Overture to the Marriage of Figaro,” a piece that reflects the symphony’s approach to the season itself.
“It’s uptempo, fast and exciting,” Reindl said. “We’re taking a slightly different route this year. The season will be a celebration of moving together through adversity.
“The biggest thing about this season is that we’re just so humbled to be back — everyone says thrilled, happy, excited — but we’re so humbled from a whole season apart, that we didn’t realize what a void there was for the community.”
Opening night also will feature Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 and an appearance by violinist Jennifer Frautschi, on Saint-Saens’ Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor.
The schedule also includes:
• Home for the Holidays, Dec. 18 — Celebration of the holiday season with appearances by the All-Star Choir of Westmoreland County and special guests.
• In the Key of Love, Feb. 12 — Featuring Dukas: Overture to La Péri; Ravel: Piano Concerto in G with pianist Michael Brown; and Franck: Symphony in d minor
• Nuevo Tango, March 26 — Featuring Arriaga: Symphony in D major; Turina: The Bullfighter’s Prayer; and Piazzolla: Aconcagua: Concerto for Accordion with accordionist Hanzhi Wang
• Beethoven’s Brilliance, April 23 — J.S. Bach: Suite in G Minor; Hilary Tann: With the Heather and Small Birds; and Beethoven: Mass in C with WSO Chamber Choir and soloists from Pittsburgh Opera.
The symphony will continue to offer patrons a livestream option this year.
“We are thrilled to be able to get back to performing live at the Palace Theatre; but as in last season, if preferred, you will be able to attend our concerts from the comfort of your own home,” said WSO Artistic Director Daniel Meyer. “I hope you will find this season filled with great music and wonderful guest artists in our historic concert hall.”
Season subscriptions are on sale now, starting at $64. Single tickets and digital access tickets are available by calling 724-837-1850 or online at westmorelandsymphony.org.
Student rush tickets for classical concerts are $5 night of show with valid identification.
“The Nutcracker” tickets are available through The Palace Theatre box office at 724-836-8000.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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