The dancing color bursts of the aurora borealis are the inspiration for a program featuring Nordic music and tales celebrating the magic of the winter season. Ola Gjeilo’s Dreamweaver, choreographed by The Sarasota Ballet’s principal dancer Maximiliano Iglesias, is a story of a holiday transformation inspired by a Norwegian folk poem featuring Lithuanian soprano Lina Dambrauskaite, an emerging operatic artist gaining attention worldwide.

When Icicles Hang highlights the charming choreography of Maria Konrad which captures perfectly the joy and mystery of the holiday season. Konrad was appointed to Nashville Ballet 2, Nashville Ballet’s second company, in January 2023. She is a sought-after creative talent and won the prestigious International Outstanding Choreographer award, presented by the Youth America Grand Prix. Konrad has created a captivating dance that capitalizes on the wonderful colors created by choir and orchestra.

“Both of these works capture the essence of the season. They are so captivating musically and are perfectly suited for dance,” said Maestro Caulkins. “We will also showcase other works for choir and orchestra that are written by Nordic composers that will compliment this stunning program.”

Since 2018, Key Chorale has collaborated with The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company to present and curate new works for choir, orchestra, and ballet. To date 10 new ballets have been presented. This annual production has become a welcome holiday tradition. Just imagine the stage of the Sarasota Opera House filled with 30+ dancers, 100 singers, orchestra, and soloists for this exciting collaboration.

“This is always a special highlight of the year for our young dancers,” said Christopher Hird, The Sarasota Ballet’s Education Director. “As well as having the opportunity to have works choreographed for them, they also get the unique experience of performing with a choir and orchestra.”

The performance will take place:

Sunday, December 1, 4:00 PM at Sarasota Opera House

Tickets are $20-55, reserved seating. For tickets, go to keychorale.org or call the box office at 941-552-8768.