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Nutcrackers, Messiahs, and More, Oh My!


Dare I say it, ‘Tis the season for Nutcrackers and Messiahs galore and we love it! From the 33rd annual Dance-Along Nutcracker to a Pub Crawl Messiah Sing-Along with our very own Rik Malone, you’re sure to find the performance that will make your holiday special.

For an authentic early-music experience, nothing beats the Messiah concerts from the American Bach Soloists in the inspiring surroundings of Grace Cathedral. The SF Symphony Symphony and Chorus will be led in their Messiah concerts by the renowned conductor Jane Glover with outstanding vocal soloists, including tenor Nicholas Phan.

For many people, their introduction to classical music was in attending a performance when they were children of Nutcracker. Some of the kid-friendly productions this season include the Berkeley Ballet Theater, the Oakland Ballet’s Nutcracker happens at the stunning Paramount Theatre and features live music from the Oakland Symphony. There’s also the Marin Ballet, complete with Candy Cane Parties.

For South Bay families, the San Jose Dance Theatre is offering their 52nd year of Nutcracker.

And then there’s the production that started the Nutcracker holiday tradition in the US, SF Ballet’s Nutcracker. Put on those Mary Janes and that scratchy party dress and experience the magic of snowflakes on the stage of the War Memorial Opera House.

What have I missed? Do you know of a production of Messiah or Nutcracker that you’d like to add?

Written by:
Dianne Nicolini
Dianne Nicolini
Published on 03.27.2019