After a record-breaking run in 2024, Brandon Ragland’s The Nutcracker returns, bringing holiday magic back to Dayton! Set in our very own city, this beloved tale follows Clara on a breathtaking, time-traveling adventure filled with dazzling choreography, enchanting sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. A heartwarming tradition for all ages, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and loved ones.

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The Nutcracker

Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center

Handel’s Messiah is a masterpiece of grandeur and devotion, weaving soaring melodies, triumphant choruses, and moments of profound reflection into an unforgettable musical journey. From the wonder of Christ’s birth to the triumph of the resurrection, its sweeping drama transcends faith, captivating all who hear it. And when the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus rings out, audiences rise to their feet—not out of tradition, but in sheer awe of its power.

Handel’s Messiah

One of our most beloved performances, The Nutcracker: Sensory-Friendly, is designed for families of all kinds, especially those with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning, or cognitive differences. This thoughtfully tailored performance offers a calmer, more inclusive experience with recorded music instead of a live orchestra, and removes loud sounds and startling effects. To enrich the experience, we provide a sensory-friendly video guide and educational materials, ensuring that every family can enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The Nutcracker: Sensory Friendly

Turn it up to eleven! Your orchestra is going full throttle with the biggest anthems in rock history. A Night of Symphonic Rock fuses a six-piece band of rock veterans with the raw power of a full symphony to deliver epic hits by Led Zeppelin, Journey, Joan Jett, Kansas, Pat Benatar, and more. This is the ultimate rock-meets-orchestra experience!

A Night of Symphonic Rock

Podcast link: https://youtu.be/4hagYvrYbuM

The Artelize Podcast and Kasper Holten - Pedefining Opera for the modern world

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36M5Hi6O80

The Artelize Podcast - A legacy of innovation in Opera: Celebrating Marc A. Scorca

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59E40S_EQSY

The Artelize Podcast: A love letter that was never sent

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THv6htilWtI

The Artelize Podcast and Adolfo Corrado: Mediterranean flavors, opera and social media

Maestro Harada leads an exuberant program that reflects his own journey from Japan to Russia, where he mastered the art of conducting. Akutagawa’s Prima Sinfonia ignites with rhythmic energy, bold brass, and striking contrasts, channeling the spirit of his Russian contemporaries. Shostakovich’s jubilant Festive Overture and deeply powerful Fifth Symphony bookend the concert, culminating in an unforgettable evening of sweeping emotion and vibrant sound.

Shostakovich 5 & Festive

An unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages, The Sleeping Beauty unfolds like a beautiful dream—where good triumphs over evil, love breaks a curse, and music and dancing transport you to a world of fantasy. You’ve seen the movie, but the ballet is an immersive experience for the senses boasting lush scenery, gorgeous recognizable music, and dazzling dancing.

The Sleeping Beauty

Join Hansel and Gretel as they navigate a magical forest, encountering a delectable gingerbread house and triumphantly defeating a wicked witch in this engaging adaptation of the classic fairy tale. This performance, created specifically for young audiences, blends the orchestral music of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the artistry of the Dayton Opera Artists-in-Residence with narration and dialogue.

Magic Carpet Concerts: Hansel & Gretel

Dayton Masonic Center

What better way to celebrate the genre-bending genius of David Bowie than with a full symphony and a killer rock band? From glam to soul, funk to art rock, Changes captures the chameleonic magic of Bowie’s music with dazzling orchestral color, epic vocals, and theatrical flair. It’s bold, it’s brilliant, it’s Bowie—like you’ve never heard him before.

Changes: A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of David Bowie

This electrifying program celebrates the bold sounds and unmistakable spirit of American music. Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” brims with jazzy swagger, while Adams’ “Absolute Jest” spins Beethoven into a playful whirlwind. Barber’s Adagio for Strings offers a moment of breathtaking beauty, and Still’s “Afro-American” Symphony blends classical tradition with the soul of the blues in a powerful tale of resilience and joy.

An American Portrait: Gershwin, Barber & Beyond

Feel the pulse as the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra presents Rhythms of Wonder—United by the Beat! This family-friendly concert invites audiences of all ages on a vibrant musical journey where rhythm connects us all. From the driving energy of percussion to the sweeping melodies of the full orchestra, experience how music’s heartbeat brings people together across cultures and generations. Join us for an uplifting afternoon filled with dynamic performances, joyful melodies, and the incredible talent of the next generation of musicians!

Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Family Concert: Rhythms of Wonder—United by the Beat

From smoky jazz to rock anthems, showstoppers to sultry originals, Storm Large is a force of nature. Backed by her fearless band Le Bonheur, she tears into songs by Cole Porter, Queen, Brandi Carlile, and her own searing catalog with raw emotion and razor-sharp wit. A Pink Martini favorite and America’s Got Talent standout, Storm brings powerhouse vocals, punk-rock attitude, and a whole lot of heart to this genre-defying symphonic ride.

Storm Large: Love, Lust & Rock ‘n’ Roll

Dayton’s two prominent professional dance companies— Dayton Ballet and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) —join forces with local musicians in a collaborative night of newly commissioned works and original compositions that amplify and celebrate our city’s rich artistic history. In a testament to how much stronger we are together, Dayton Ballet and DCDC illustrate the power of unity across genres and showcase Dayton’s lasting impact on dance and funk music.

Dayton Ballet & DCDC Present: Rhythm of the City

Victoria Theatre Dayton

DPAA’s Artistic Directors collaborate on a blockbuster celebration of American music and dance. From Copland’s lively “Hoe-Down” and folk-inspired Old American Songs to Bernstein’s jazz-infused dances from Fancy Free and West Side Story, this program pulses with the rhythms, voices, and moves of American music. Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” dazzles with its seamless jazz-classical fusion, while the timeless elegance of Strayhorn and Ellington shines!

DPAA Directors Present: American Soundscapes

Few voices in the world possess the rare versatility to master both classical and pop music—but John Holiday is an undeniable exception. An internationally acclaimed countertenor, he commands the opera stage with breathtaking artistry while dazzling audiences with his dynamic pop performances. A 2020 finalist on The Voice, Holiday continues to redefine boundaries, proving that true talent knows no limits.

Opera Star John Holiday

Get ready to groove as the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra presents The Orchestra Swings! In this high-energy concert, the orchestra brings the vibrant rhythms of swing to life, delighting audiences of all ages. With toe-tapping melodies, jazzy harmonies, and the unmistakable sound of big-band brilliance, this performance will have you swaying in your seat.

Young People’s Concert: The Orchestra Swings

In this profound program, pianist Awadagin Pratt performs two concertos written especially for him, both inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets. The evening culminates in Mozart’s Requiem, a choral masterpiece that traverses the depths of human existence. From the haunting “Introit” to the fiery “Dies Irae” and the ethereal “Lacrimosa,” Requiem captures the dance of life and death, the tension between stillness and motion, and the journey from mortality to transcendence.

At The Still Point

A kaleidoscope of musical brilliance awaits as the talented young musicians of the DPYO take the stage for the pinnacle performance of the season! The Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra unites the area’s most gifted young orchestral musicians to study and perform a broad range of orchestral repertoire. Support the youth in our community and see the classical music stars of tomorrow!

Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

Porgy and Bess premiered on Broadway in 1935 and its music took root in our culture, with iconic songs like “Summertime” and “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’,” becoming popular classics. It’s themes of community resilience, acceptance, and redemption weave a poignant story, all told through a “melting pot” of musical styles from folk to blues, to spirituals, to jazz, to Broadway theater music, and classical to create what is considered by many to be the greatest American opera.

Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess In Concert

Broadway star and vocal powerhouse Jessica Vosk brings her signature warmth and flair to the golden age of West Coast pop. California Dreamin’ is a lush symphonic tribute to the legendary singer-songwriters of Laurel Canyon—Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young, The Mamas & the Papas, and more—whose sun-soaked sounds shaped a generation. Known for her star turn as Elphaba in Wicked, Vosk has headlined Carnegie Hall, appeared on major TV networks like ABC, NBC, and PBS, and earned Grammy recognition for her work with the San Francisco Symphony. With unforgettable songs and California vibes, this is nostalgia at its most radiant.

California Dreamin’: Jessica Vosk Sings the Songs of Laurel Canyon

Step into a world of wonder as the talented students of the Dayton Ballet School present Enchanted Tales! From charming fairy tales to timeless legends, our young performers bring beloved stories to life in a mesmerizing showcase of skill, artistry, and imagination.

Events in Dayton, OH

The Nutcracker

Dayton Performing Arts

Handel’s Messiah

Dayton Performing Arts

The Nutcracker: Sensory F...

Dayton Performing Arts

A Night of Symphonic Rock...

Dayton Performing Arts

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast - A ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast: A l...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

Shostakovich 5 & Festive

Dayton Performing Arts

The Sleeping Beauty

Dayton Performing Arts

Magic Carpet Concerts: Ha...

Dayton Performing Arts

Changes: A Symphonic Trib...

Dayton Performing Arts

An American Portrait: Ger...

Dayton Performing Arts

Dayton Philharmonic Youth...

Dayton Performing Arts

Storm Large: Love, Lust &...

Dayton Performing Arts

Dayton Ballet & DCDC Pres...

Dayton Performing Arts

DPAA Directors Present: A...

Dayton Performing Arts

Opera Star John Holiday

Dayton Performing Arts

Young People’s Concert: T...

Dayton Performing Arts

At The Still Point

Dayton Performing Arts

Dayton Philharmonic Youth...

Dayton Performing Arts

Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess...

Dayton Performing Arts

California Dreamin’: Jess...

Dayton Performing Arts

Dayton Ballet School Conc...

Dayton Performing Arts