JPO helps bring Nutcracker magic to life

The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to be the orchestra of choice for the SA Ballet Theatre’s Christmas production of The Nutcracker, and assist in bringing one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous compositions to life
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The JPO, under the baton of Allan Stephenson, will accompany SABT in its production of this much-loved children’s classic at the South African State Theatre this November and December.
The season of 23 performances opens on 19 November 2010 in the Opera theatre, and works its festive magic until 19 December 2010.

Having enjoyed a long and fruitful artistic association with SABT, the JPO is excited to once again bring holiday cheer to Gauteng audiences of all ages through the enchanting music of The Nutcracker.
“Since its premiere in St Petersburg in 1892, The Nutcracker ballet has continued to thrill audiences during the Christmas season worldwide,” says JPO managing director Shadrack Bokaba. “And so it should – it has all the ingredients, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, a battle scene and more!”

“It is through the partnership between the SABT and the JPO that audiences will experience memorable choreography and thrilling dancers, accompanied by South Africa’s finest orchestra,” Bokaba added.
This whimsical two-act ballet tells the tale of a young girl, Clara, who receives a nutcracker doll at a Christmas party. The doll comes to life, turns into a handsome prince, and takes her on a magic journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets, home of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Land of Snow.

SABT stars Anya Carstens and Burnise Silvius feature in The Nutcracker alongside international guest artist Juan Pablo Ledo, as well as the accomplished dancers of the SABT company.
Don’t miss this captivating ballet with its gorgeous score – the perfect holiday entertainment treat for the whole family. Book at Computicket or visit http://www.jpo.co.za/ for more details.

The Black Ties Celebrate Christmas

Get into the festive spirit with these fine voices!
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Sunday, November 28th

The Black Tie Ensemble’s annual Christmas Concert has established itself as one of the definitive happenings in this genre, and this year the talented outfit hopes to bring you their best production to date!
Because this time of the year is as much about giving as receiving, The Black Tie Ensemble would like to re- introduce a charity element to their show, as they did in 2008, when they made a contribution towards Child Welfare South Africa.

The BTE therefore asks audiences at this year’s show to make a small gift offering to the Children’s Disability Centre. (Details below.)
This heart-warming concert by six members of The Black Tie Ensemble will include solo and ensemble works, and also features special guest performances by soprano Antoinette Olivier and the Siyonqoba Sweet Voices from Soweto. The Ensemble will be accompanied by Susan Steenkamp Swanepoel and Willem Luitingh.

The programme will cater for the whole family, and will feature much-loved traditional carols and sacred songs, including “Mille cherubini in coro”, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, “Thabani Inkozi Iyeza” (“Joy to the World” in Zulu); “Somer Kersfees”, “The Holy City”, “Ave Maria”, and “O Holy Night”.

The Children’s Disability Centre (CDC)
This valuable organisation was established in 1983 because of a co-operative effort between government and the South African National Council for the Blind. The CDC is the only centre in SA that caters for the needs of visually impaired, blind and autistic children from the time of diagnosis, in respect of medical care, early intervention and education in the pre- and foundation- phase. The CDC is one of only three centres that offer diagnostic and consultative services and training to visually impaired and autistic children.
Currently the CDC assists 24 children between the ages of 3 and 6, 40 children between the ages of 6 and 11, and 18 children between the ages of 12 and 18. They ensure that each one is given an opportunity to learn all the important skills that will prepare them for a happy and productive life. Their education programme is the foundation that leads towards an independent adulthood that will provide human dignity and self-reliance.

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VENUE: Joburg Promusica’s Main Theatre
DATES: Sunday, November 28th at 4pm
TICKETS: R90
R80 for pensioners, scholars, or groups of 10+
KINDLY NOTE:
Patrons are requested to bring an unwrapped gift for children aged 3 to 18, between the value of R50 and R100. These gifts will be donated to the Children’s Disability Centre.
Bookings can be made at any Computicket outlet, online at http://www.computicket.com/ or by phoning (011) 340 8000.

The Joburg Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at 100 Christiaan De Wet Drive, Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free and guarded parking for patrons