A Classical Arts Extravaganza: Dive into NYC’s Best This Week
From breathtaking operas to festive concerts and dance performances, New York City’s vibrant arts scene is brimming with exciting offerings this week. Here’s your guide to some of the can’t-miss events.
Timeless Tales: Exploring the Magic Flute
The Metropolitan Opera invites you to experience Mozart’s enchanting
The Magic Flute in a brand-new way. Running
from December 12, Julie Taymor presents a dazzling production with playful puppets. This abridged two-hour format makes it perfect for families to enjoy. Catch soprano Kathryn Lewek as the Queen of the Night, showcasing her acclaimed performance.
Continuing the opera theme, delve into Strauss’ Desire Without a Shadow. Soprano Elza van den Heever leads the cast, bringing life to a complex tale of love and magic at the Met this week.
From Brooklyn Ballet to the Hard Nut
Brooklyn Ballet’s Shakespeare’s The Nutcracker
returns to enthrall audiences. Conceived by Lynn Parkerson, this spirited rendition of the classic ballet weaves in modern dance styles (hip-hop, afrobeat, belly dance, and more), reflecting Brooklyn’s captivating diversity set against iconic urban landscapes.
For a colder take on the holiday classic, see Mark Morris’ The Hard Nut, December 12th onwards at the BAM. Morris infuses the story with his signature modern agility in 1970’s chic. Conductors Colin Fowler brings the soundscape alive
A Chorus of Voices
Get swept away by Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Tom Koopman with a stellar cast -soprano Maya Kherani, countertenor Maarten Engeltjes
and more.
The voices don’t stop there:
Carnegie Hall is hosting a week of recitals, starting with tenor Piotr Beczala, violinist Janine Jansen, followed by Asmik Grigorian and pianistLukas Geniušas, among others.
Beyond the Stage: Contemporary Dance &
Experience modern commentaries on life through dance. Explore dance, text, and video with Lloyd Knight’s autobiography’ The Drama. And don’t miss Post:ballet’s fresh take on Orpheus and Euridice in their masterpiece Lyra.
Returning for its 6th holiday season, The
Orchestra Now, conducted by Leonardo Pineda
presents free concert with All-City High School effectively blending classical and contemporary
Explore the Sounds
The 92nd Street Y showcases Pianist
Jeremy Denk revisits classics works -Beethoven to Simone
Beautuful Piano nuns on December 12
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of the arts this week in
New York.
What unconventional ballet performance is Brooklyn Ballet putting on this week?
## Tuning into the Vibrant Sounds of NYC
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! This week, New York City’s arts scene is positively buzzing with activity. Joining us to unpack some of the must-see classical performances is our very own arts correspondent, Emily Carter. Emily, what’s got you excited this week?
**Emily:** It’s hard to choose, but there’s truly something for everyone! The Metropolitan Opera is pulling out all the stops. They’re staging a new production of Mozart’s *The Magic Flute* , directed by the visionary Julie Taymor. Picture playful puppets, a vibrant sound, and a story that captivates audiences of all ages. Perfect for families looking for a magical experience!
**Host:** That sounds incredible! Any reasons we should head to the Met beyond *The Magic Flute*?
**Emily:** Absolutely! Strauss’s *Desire Without a Shadow* is also gracing the stage this week. Soprano Elza van den Heever is leading the cast, promising a captivating performance. It’s a truly unique and beautiful piece about love and magic.
**Host:** And what about dance, Emily? Anything exciting happening on that front?
**Emily:** Brooklyn Ballet is always a treat, and this week they’re performing *The Hard Nut*, a refreshingly unconventional take on *The Nutcracker*. Prepare for adventurous choreography and a unique twist on a classic tale.
**Host:** Sounds like singing and dancing will be filling the air this week! Thank you so much, Emily, for keeping us in the know.
**Emily:** My pleasure! Remember, New York City is always bursting with incredible art. Don’t miss out on these fantastic performances!
