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Experience the magic of the holiday season with The National Ballet of Canada's spectacular production of "The Nutcracker," choreographed by James Kudelka. This beloved family production will run from December 6 to December 31, 2024, offering audiences a chance to dive into a world of imagination and wonder. Set against the backdrop of a 19th-century barn on Christmas Eve, the story follows siblings Marie and Misha as they embark on an extraordinary adventure. After receiving a mysterious nutcracker doll from their Uncle Nikolai, the magic begins at the stroke of midnight. The Christmas tree grows to enormous proportions, leading Marie and Misha on a fabulous journey through magical realms, teaching them the value of getting along. This rendition of "The Nutcracker" expands on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," transforming it from the adventure of a solitary child to a heartwarming story about a brother and sister duo. Audiences will be treated to magnificent sets and costumes, magical creatures, and the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, all set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score. The production features iconic moments such as the Waltz of the Flowers, complete with a fast-moving Bee performing some of the ballet’s most dazzling choreography. James Kudelka, with his incredible musicality and vision, has created a version of "The Nutcracker" that is celebrated worldwide. The score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, featuring the celesta and the twinkling theme of the Sugar Plum Fairy, remains one of the most recognizable pieces in the classical repertoire. The production has received acclaim for being one of the best Nutcracker performances globally, hailed as an "unforgettable tribute to the imagination" by Ludwig Van Toronto and a "glorious evening of ballet for the entire family" by the Toronto Sun. Performances will take place at the National Ballet of Canada, with the world premiere having occurred at the O’Keefe Centre (now Meridian Hall) in Toronto on December 21, 1995. This production is made possible by generous financial support from Sandra Pitblado, C.M. & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lawrence and Ann Heisey, and an anonymous friend of the National Ballet, in collaboration with Canada's National Ballet School. Don't miss this timeless holiday tradition that brings the spirit of the season to life through the art of dance.

We throw open the doors to the holiday season with a journey to the Land of Sweets in Act II of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The beloved ballet classic comes to life with familiar favourites including “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers”. Adding to the revelry, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra joins side by side for a thrilling performance of Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor.

Tarmo Peltokoski returns to lead Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, an awe-inspiring monument of ingenious lyricism and technical experimentation, performed by renowned Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan, followed by Vaughan Williams’s Symphony No. 4, a deeply compelling work that captures a spectrum of human emotions, from tumultuous intensity to profound serenity.

Embark on an epic musical journey with Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5 and the galactic wonders of John Williams’s Academy Award®–winning Star Wars score, a perfect fusion of timeless and modern classics that will thrill both newcomers and seasoned symphony lovers alike.

Experience the timeless beauty of classical ballet with The National Ballet of Canada's production of "Swan Lake," directed and staged by the esteemed Karen Kain. This beloved masterpiece, set to Tchaikovsky’s dramatic score, will be performed from March 8 to March 22, 2025, offering audiences a unique interpretation inspired by Erik Bruhn’s landmark version. Artistic Director Emerita Karen Kain brings her personal touch to the production, emphasizing the love story at the heart of "Swan Lake" and commemorating her illustrious 50-year career with the company. The story unfolds in a faraway kingdom where Odette, under the spell of the evil Rothbart, is doomed to live as a swan by day until true love can break the curse. When Prince Siegfried falls for Odette, Rothbart’s deception threatens their love, introducing the dramatic duality of Odette/Odile. This production revisits the classic tale with new choreography and a focus on the emotional depth of the characters, making it a heartfelt tribute to Kain’s legacy. The production features sumptuous costumes and set designs by Gabriela Týlešová, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that transports audiences to a world of romance, betrayal, and the power of true love. The dual role of Odette/Odile, a pinnacle of classical ballet, showcases the technical prowess and dramatic range of the company's dancers. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a fresh take on "Swan Lake," a ballet that continues to captivate audiences with its achingly beautiful music, timeless choreography, and the universal theme of love conquering all. Join us at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts for a performance that promises to be a highlight of the ballet season.

Yuja Wang returns with Tchaikovsky’s brilliant Piano Concerto No. 1, melding fiery passion with delicate lyricism only as she can. The performance also features Janáček’s Sinfonietta, a grand tribute to the modern city, and a World Première by Cree composer Andrew Balfour, created in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin is one of opera’s most romantic masterpieces, an aching meditation on happiness undone. Canadian director Robert Carsen’s stunningly simple staging enjoys an international reputation as “a piece of contemporary operatic history” (The Globe and Mail) and returns to the COC for the first time since 2018.

Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique”, his eloquently profound final symphony, expresses the depths and peaks of the human experience, encompassing life’s beauty and the inevitability of death. By contrast, the poignant intensity of Bjarnason’s I Want to be Alive—Trilogy for Orchestra offers a powerful exploration of human vitality.