“Duke It Out!” combines Classical and Jazz Nutcrackers

The Music Institute of Chicago presents its holiday tradition, Duke It Out! Nutcracker, featuring the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of the holiday favorite in a music and dance performance Saturday, December 10 at 2 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. The performance is also available via livestream.
 
Curated by Dance Chicago, the program features members of Axiom Brass and Music Institute Ensemble in Residence Quintet Attacca. The performance is a family-friendly 60 minutes and is preceded by an interactive musical instrument petting zoo, when children ages 3 and older have a chance to try a range of instruments featured in the Tchaikovsky Nutcracker score, at 1 p.m.
 
“This is a Nutcracker like no other: The program features a unique combination of the classical music of Tchaikovsky side by side with the hot jazz of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn,” said Music Institute President and CEO Mark George. “And with a one-hour runtime, Duke it Out! is a family-friendly and entertaining production.”

The Music Institute of Chicago leads people toward a lifelong engagement with music through unparalleled teaching, exceptional performances, and valuable service initiatives that educate, inspire, and build strong, healthy communities. Since its founding in 1931, the Music Institute’s commitment to innovation, access, and excellence has served as an important community resource and helps to ensure music is available to everyone. For information, visit musicinst.org

Duke It Out! Nutcracker takes place Saturday, December 10 at 2 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. Tickets are $10 general admission in person and for the livestream,
both available at nicholsconcerthall.org. All programming is subject to change.