Once upon a time, in the magical world of Phoenix, a symphony of dulcet tones filled the air beneath the stage. The familiar melodies of 'The Nutcracker' danced their way through the cramped space as satin-clad toes twirled and pirouetted above. For Ballet Arizona and numerous other productions all across the globe, a pit filled with talented musicians is an integral part of the cherished tradition.
In recent years, productions have been faced with difficult decisions, turning to recordings as they grapple with the ever-present challenges of soaring costs and unforeseen crises. The pandemic, in particular, forced theaters to go silent during the public health closures, leaving a void that needed to be filled. However, fans, musicians, and union leaders unanimously agree - nothing quite compares to the electric energy and unseen signature that live music brings to each show, even if the path to achieving it is sometimes fraught with obstacles.
In the heart of New York City, a production synonymous with the quintessential American 'Nutcracker' took center stage just minutes after musicians agreed to a contract. Their harmonious collaboration set the tone for a mesmerizing performance. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, a company cunningly catered to their audiences, offering them the best of both worlds - the option to enjoy the magic of live music or the convenience of recorded compositions. As for the Phoenix show, the pit was reluctantly put on hiatus during the tumultuous time of the Great Recession, linked to the 2008 housing crisis. Oh, how the absence of live music left a palpable void in the hearts of all who graced that stage.
It wasn't until five years ago, when Demitra Bereveskos joined Ballet Arizona, that she had the pleasure of performing 'The Nutcracker' to live music. As a wide-eyed 7-year-old, she made her debut in the enchanting production, likely portraying an adorable angel or a mischievous little mouse. However, by her first year in the Phoenix production, she was gracefully dancing to the whimsical tune of the 'Waltz of the Flowers.' Demitra's eyes sparkled as she recounted her experience, vividly remembering the delicate opening harp, an instrument she had never before encountered. Those ethereal notes resonated within her soul, propelling her to soar elegantly through every step of her dance.
The iconic score composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892 weaves a mesmerizing tale of a young girl's magnificent dream, triggered by the gift of a nutcracker doll. Her magical adventure, complete with the Nutcracker Prince, the formidable Mouse King's army, and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy, draws audiences of all ages, captivating them with emotions ranging from raucous laughter to profound elegance. Both dancers and audience members can unmistakably feel the difference, knowing that the score is performed live. Dian D'Avanzo, a violinist with the Phoenix Symphony, has played for the Ballet Arizona show for over three decades. In previous years, she was blessed with the opportunity to simultaneously witness her daughter grace the stage as a dancer. D'Avanzo confessed that Christmas doesn't truly arrive until she gazes up and witnesses the ethereal snowfall during the show's intermission. In a region where real snow is an elusive dream, seeing the snowflakes gracefully descend upon the stage signifies the arrival of the holiday season, bringing forth the magic of Christmas that is otherwise absent in the desert landscape.
The significance of the pit musicians cannot be overstated. It is their performance that sets the timing and rhythm of the entire show, a feat that demands meticulous attention to detail. Gabe Kovach, the principal horn of the Phoenix Symphony, boasts of having played over 500 'Nutcracker' shows, attesting to the perseverance required of these talented musicians. Unseen by most audience members, they keenly listen to the flutter of the dancers' feet and the soaring leaps happening directly above their heads. Together, these synchronized elements ensure that the performance remains a seamless tapestry of sight and sound. Yes, playing in the pit is an arduous task, but when joyous young faces peer down, their wide eyes brimming with wonder, it rekindles the spirit and rejuvenates the musicians, infusing them with a renewed sense of purpose.
In the grandeur of the New York City Ballet, a pit orchestra accompanies every performance of 'George Balanchine's The Nutcracker,' a tradition that commenced in 1954. Sara Cutler, the recently retired principal harpist, has had the privilege of performing in this iconic ballet approximately 2,000 times over her four-decade-long career, only taking a brief hiatus during the pandemic shutdown. 'The Nutcracker' has become like a cherished pair of comfortable slippers, enveloping her every Christmas season. However, it also presented challenges, such as the need to alter blocking when one particularly mischievous ballerina's falling shoe threatened to strike Cutler's beloved harp. Despite these obstacles and adjustments, the music never lost its charm or its ability to transport the audience into a realm of pure magic.
This year, an aura of uncertainty permeated the air as voting to ratify the musicians' contract concluded just a mere ten minutes before the show's opening, causing jitters and anxieties amongst the cast. Sara Cutler, also the president of the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, recounts the tension that accompanied these negotiations. Large-scale bargaining commenced months before, in May, as both sides grappled with substantial pay cuts, a result of the pandemic-induced closures. The orchestra members were still far behind their 2019 compensation rates when negotiations first began. Thankfully, all doubts and hesitations melted away when a harmonious agreement was reached. The relief was palpable, both for the musicians and the ballet company.
'The marriage of music and dance is a hallmark of NYCB,' declared a statement from the New York City Ballet, emphasizing the tremendous enhancement that the sublime performance of their phenomenal score brings to the overall production. There is an undeniable symbiotic relationship between the dancers and the musicians, a connection that breathes life and soul into the performance.
Nevertheless, not all ballet companies have the luxury of live music due to the soaring costs involved. Smaller or midsize companies often resort to pre-recorded music, with the expense sometimes overshadowing the meager paychecks given to the dancers. Julia Rivera, the director of audience development for the Los Angeles Ballet, acknowledges the challenges faced by these companies. She believes that recorded music can still maintain the enchantment of the performance, as long as it is treated with care and meticulously synced to the pace of the dancers' movements. Rivera acknowledges that while some see the musicians as an integral part of the performance, the reality is that many ballet companies simply cannot afford to hire a live orchestra.
When live music is indeed possible, it opens up a world of opportunities for dancers to adapt to the directions of artistic directors and conductors alike. Versatility is paramount in today's ballet landscape, where companies must seamlessly perform classical story ballets, contemporary pieces, and avant-garde works. The ability to navigate and excel in both environments becomes a valuable asset for a seasoned dancer.
The Phoenix Symphony and the union representing its talented musicians recently agreed to a new contract, fostering an atmosphere of harmony and solidarity. Cindy Baker, the president of the Professional Musicians of Arizona, an American Federation of Musicians union, shares her experience of performing during the Great Recession in 2008 when the economic downturn forced shows to rely on recorded music. The absence of live music was sorely felt, dampening the spirit and energy that only live performances can bring forth. The pit orchestra can be chaotic, with dry ice smoke occasionally obscuring the musicians' view, and fake snow made of plastic adorning their instruments. Despite these challenges, the musicians never tire of playing the familiar notes. In fact, they often find ways to entertain themselves, playing pranks and sharing moments of laughter amidst the symphony of sound.
The music of 'The Nutcracker' transcends time and space. It remains eternally enchanting, captivating hearts and minds with its enduring magic. Each year, children and adults alike are swept away by the timeless tale of the growing Christmas tree, the sparkling snowflakes, and the elegant grace of the dancers. For the musicians in the pit, the experience is just as sublime. The music weaves its way into their souls, igniting a blissful joy that resonates deeply within. They play with passion and dedication, fully aware that they are an integral part of the holiday tradition, making dreams come alive through their artistry.
So as the festive season approaches once again, let us celebrate the musicians who bring the enchantment and wonder of 'The Nutcracker' to life. Their melodies become the soundtrack of our dreams, taking us on a transcendent journey into a world where magic dances alongside the beauty of the human spirit.
