The Nutcracker

A masterpiece among the ballets of all time, The Nutcracker, is on the bill from 15 to 24 December at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma for the 2024-2025 season, conducted by Andrea Quinn. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s opera, choreographed by Paul Chalmer, brings to the stage as guest artists the principal dancers of the Bayerische Staatsballett, Madison Young and Julian MacKay, making their debut at the Roman theater.

The ballet in a prologue and two acts, composed by Tchaikovsky and based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in 1892; the choreography was entrusted to Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, two masters of classical ballet, and was presented as a Christmas show.

The ballet tells the adventures of little Clara during Christmas night, when she receives a nutcracker in the shape of a toy soldier as a gift; while everyone is sleeping, the little girl witnesses a battle between the mouse king and his puppet, transformed into a prince. The Nutcracker Prince obtains victory only thanks to Clara's intervention and, as a sign of gratitude, invites her to follow him to his enchanted kingdom: here, the two are welcomed in triumph by the subjects of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

All the fantastic aspects of the story led Tchaikovsky to find innovative timbre solutions: the swirling snowflakes are accompanied by a choir behind the scenes, the flowing of the river of rose water by flutes and the famous dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by the celesta, an instrument never used before in a ballet. The orchestral beauty is combined with a melodic variety, giving life to a wonderful score that has enchanted listeners since its debut. Added to this is an intricate and fascinating choreography; the dances of the Flowers, the Fruits and the Character Variations are examples of perfect harmony between choreographic movements and narrative.

The Nutcracker, thanks to its magic, continues to fascinate audiences around the world: a true Christmas tale, loved by adults and children, it still excites more than ever, capturing the imagination and generating joy. 

Among the other performers, we remember: Alessandra Amato, Rebecca Bianchi, Federica Maine, Alessio Rezza, Claudio Cocino, Michele Satriano. Orchestra, Étoiles, Principal Dancers, Soloists and Ballet Corps of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma; with the participation of the Students of the School of Dance of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.