Performances of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite during the holiday season have been a cherished tradition worldwide for decades. In the vibrant world of jazz, this timeless masterpiece has sparked the imagination of composers and arrangers alike, inspiring swinging adaptations that reimagine its beloved melodies with bold orchestrations. This December, the SJMO will bring this festive magic to life by performing three spirited jazz versions of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, The Nutcracker Suite. Selections from Frank Comstock's brilliant version written for the Les Brown band, Shorty Roger's own 1960 version –The Swingin’ Nutcracker, as well as Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington's arrangements of The Nutcracker Suite assembled from the original manuscripts held in the Strayhorn Repository and the Ellington Collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

This program takes place during public hours and is free and open to the public. Reservations are taken to estimate seating and space needs. Seating…