On December 15th, Reno audiences will be treated to a wonderful holiday performance combining the music of The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, a set of big band jazz with the accomplished musicians of The Reno Jazz Orchestra and the talented and magical dancers from the Sierra Nevada Ballet in a creatively inspired jazz production of The Nutcracker According To The Duke and The Count (Duke Ellington and Count Basie).
The Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will open our holiday performance showcasing their talent and holiday spirit. To further celebrate the holidays, the Reno Jazz Orchestra will perform a set of big band jazz.
The Nutcracker According To The Duke and The Count will be performed by the Sierra Nevada Ballet. Designed, written and choreographed by Rosine Bena, this production is inspired by the original Nutcracker Ballet. While everyone is familiar with Tchaikovsky’s original ballet, many do not realize that Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn created their own masterful arrangements from the original themes. Add Count Basie’s music that pays tribute to the Reno Club (where he started his big band) and the musical stage is set for the Sierra Nevada Ballet’s masterful choreography.
Set in the 1950’s Reno, The Nutcracker According To The Duke and The Count tells the story of a magical reunion between a father and long lost daughter. The combined partnership between the Sierra Nevada Ballet and The Reno Jazz Orchestra creates a new take on this well known ballet and is set to the live jazz music of the orchestra. The production also features international tap star, Sam Weber, former Joffrey Ballet principal Domingo Rubio and Sierra Nevada Ballet principal, Ananda Bena-Weber.
Advance tickets are available for $25.00 for general admission; student prices are $10.00. Tickets may be purchased on our website (Renojazzorchestra.org) through PayPal. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. (box office opens at 6:30 p.m.) Please bring a can of non-perishable food to benefit our community through the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
Funding is provided in part by the Sierra Nevada Ballet, Carol Franc Buck Foundation, E.L. Cord
Foundation, Nevada Arts Council/National Endowment for the Arts, RJO Band of 100, Siena
Hotel and Casino, Fascinating Rhythm School of Performing Arts, Western Nevada Performing
Arts Center and Prototypes.
For information, contact the Reno Jazz Orchestra at www.renojazzorchestra.org or Jennifer
Mannix, Reno Jazz Events Coordinator, at 775-848-4417.
