The Philharmonic Society of Orange County is pleased to present the legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra and their dazzling reimagination of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” on Sunday, December 15 at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Arranged by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, whose nearly 30 years of collaboration produced some of the most beloved jazz standards of all time, this arrangement combines Tchaikovsky’s original themes with the unique interpretations of jazz music. In addition to this piece, the orchestra will also feature additional jazz pieces by the famed duo, such as “Take the A Train” and “Satin Doll.”
This concert will take place at 7 p.m. At 3 p.m. that day, the group will also perform “Why Music Matters: Jazz and Early American Music,” an interactive, hour-long family concert, inviting audiences to follow Ellington’s musical journey as he discovers jazz and the blues.
