SALEM, MA — Salem and Newburyport will host Arpeggione Ensemble's "Miniature Nutcracker" this holiday season —bringing a chamber music and storytelling version of the holiday classic to two North Shore venues.
The performances are scheduled for Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. at Cinema Salem, and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 166 High Street, Newburyport.
The program pairs selections from Tchaikovsky's score with readings from E.T.A. Hoffmann's original tale. The performance is designed as an intimate retelling that invites listeners into a story of childhood dreams and holiday adventure.
Arpeggione Ensemble's version of The Nutcracker draws on the tradition of families and friends gathering to play music and read aloud. Familiar melodies are presented in new arrangements by Thomas Carroll for five musicians, while readings connect the music to Hoffmann's story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King."
The ensemble said the performance is intended to give families a chance to enjoy live classical music together and give longtime Nutcracker fans a different way to hear a seasonal favorite.
Performers for "Miniature Nutcracker" are Andrea LeBlanc, flute; Thomas Carroll, clarinet; David Rubin, violin; Anna Seda, cello; and April Sun, piano.
The group is a Beverly-based nonprofit founded in 2022. Arpeggione aims to build community through chamber music performances that combine music with storytelling, visual art and other creative disciplines for audiences of all ages.
Education and outreach are central to the ensemble's programming. Its performances are held in schools, libraries, senior centers and community venues across the North Shore.
Tickets are listed at $30 for general admission, $20 for children under 12 and $80 for a family of four. More information and tickets are available here.
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