The Lille National Orchestra under the spell of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” for its Christmas concert

This family show is performed until December 20 throughout the region. For the occasion, the orchestra called on young singers from the Hauts-de-France choir and a sand artist.

It is one of the greatest masterpieces of 19th century romantic music, Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky invites himself to the national orchestra of Lille to close the year in poetry. The ONL Christmas concert immerses spectators in the magic and dreams of childhood.

A sand ballet

The story of Nutcracker takes place on Christmas Eve. Young Clara receives a wooden nutcracker in the shape of a soldier from her godfather. As she holds him in her arms, she falls asleep and dreams of a fantasy world where toys and fears come to life. Published in Berlin in 1816, this tale by Hoffmann, master of German romanticism, inspired Marius Petipa to create a first dance version in 1892. Clara’s dreams and nightmares are carried by Tchaikovsky’s sparkling and colorful score.

In the ONL version, the ballet takes a very original form. Chef Dmitry Matvienko invited sand artist Kseniya Simonova. With elegance and great precision, each of his gestures is dictated by the movements of the orchestra. Between his fingers, the characters from the story come to life on the big screen. “My job is not to spoil the music but to follow it. I must not take Tchaikovsky’s place, it is the music that takes precedence”, explains the artist.

The Christmas hit

Nutcracker is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful music ever written about childhood. Who hasn’t dreamed about Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Waltz of Flowers ? “It’s a work that is both dreamlike and fantastic and has always fit perfectly with Christmas. It’s the hit of all the big halls and big orchestras,” explains Fabio Sinacori, programming director of the Lille National Orchestra.

To the rhythm of violins and drums, the characters in the story come to life. Accompanied by the voices of young singers from the Hauts-de-France choir, the Lille national orchestra plays its part. Directed by Dmitry Matvienko, this dark and magical ballet combines Tchaikovsky’s most famous arias. In the room, the audience is won over. “I’ve never seen something so beautiful, so rhythmic, it’s fantastic”, exclaims a spectator.

“The Nutcracker” the ONL Christmas concert.

Friday, December 15 at 8 p.m. in Carvin, Salle Rabelais

Sunday December 17 at 4 p.m. and Tuesday December 19 at 8 p.m. at Nouveau Siècle in Lille

Wednesday December 20 at 8 p.m. in Pernes-en-Artois