Louisville Ballet brings back live orchestra for Brown-Forman Nutcracker performances

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Ballet is bringing live music back to its annual holiday production of the Brown-Forman Nutcracker.

In a news release, the Ballet said for the first time since 2022, The Louisville Orchestra will bring Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life on stage. The orchestra had been paused due to financial challenges, but thanks to community donors, it's back.

The productions costs around $200,000, and fundraising is still underway. For information on donations, click here.

This year also marks Anthony Krutzkamp's first Nutcracker season as Artistic Director.

"Live music is a vital part of the ballet experience," Krutzkamp said in a statement. "The return of the Louisville Orchestra brings a vibrancy to the stage and elevates the production to what it was always meant to be, a full sensory celebration of the holiday season."

Performances run Dec. 12 through 22 at the Kentucky Performing Art Center's Whitney Hall. Tickets are on sale. For information, click here.

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