CCM Jazz and Musical Theatre join forces for Duke Ellington's 'Nutcracker Suite'

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music presents a special seasonal treat at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, as the departments of Jazz Studies and Musical Theatre unite to present Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite for one night only in Corbett Auditorium.

One of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century, Duke Ellington recorded The Nutcracker Suite for the Columbia record label in 1960. The album featured jazz interpretations of well-known melodies by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

Under the musical direction of Scott Belck, dancers from CCM’s Musical Theatre program will join the Jazz Orchestra to transform The Nutcracker Suite’s romantic orchestrations into jumping jazz melodies, including “Toot Toot Tootie Toot (Dance of the Reed-Pipes),” “Peanut Brittle Brigade” and “Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy).” Featuring choreography by Diane Lala, a classical ballet becomes cool-cat jazz, infused with Vegas glitz, Hollywood glamour and a little New York razzmatazz.

4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2

Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Tickets to Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite are $20 general, $15 non-UC students and free for UC students with a valid student ID.

Tickets are available for purchase through the CCM Box Office in person, over the phone at 513-556-4183 or online at https://bit.ly/2Dx702U.

Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.