By Blake Heckel | Contributor
The Allen Philharmonic Orchestra & Symphony Chorus is proud to accompany the Allen Civic Ballet with live music for its 2022 production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic — The Nutcracker, featuring guest artist Tiit Helimets, principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m., the show will take place at the Performing Arts Center at Allen High School, located at 300 Rivercrest Blvd. in Allen, Texas. Tickets range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased at tickets.allenpac.org.
Tiit Helimets is an Estonian-born performer with over 25 years of experience dancing with the Estonian National Ballet, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and, most recently, the San Fransisco Ballet. In his career, he has danced an impressive repertoire of classical and contemporary roles.
“We’re thrilled that Mr. Helimets will be partnering with one of our company dancers, Mia Heath, in the Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux with live music from the Allen Philharmonic,” said Allen Civic Ballet President and Artistic Director Stefanie Best. “Preparations for this year’s performance began the day after our 2021 production. It’s a year-long process of discussing costume, scenery, props and choreography, as well as auditioning, rehearsals and more. We can’t wait to see all our hard work come to fruition this year.”
What: The Allen Philharmonic is joining the Allen Civic Ballet and the San Fransisco Ballet principal dancer Tiit Heliments in the 2022 production of The Nutcracker.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m.
Where: Performing Arts Center at Allen High School, located at 300 Rivercrest Blvd. in Allen, Texas
For more information on the Allen Philharmonic and its upcoming events, visit AllenPhilharmonic.org.
About the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra & Symphony Chorus
Founded in 1998, the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra & Symphony Chorus (Allen Philharmonic) — a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization — is a professional orchestra of nearly 70 musicians, many of whom hold full-time positions as directors of bands and orchestras throughout the metroplex. With the goal of enhancing its community’s rich culture and fostering a community-wide appreciation for the art of music, the Allen Philharmonic presents an annual series of concerts and a variety of special events, community outreach and youth education programs. Corporate and individual donations, civic grants, the City of Allen and the Allen Arts Alliance fund the Allen Philharmonic. For more information or to donate, go to allenphilharmonic.org.
About the Allen Civic Ballet
Allen Civic Ballet is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing affordable and enjoyable dance performances for audiences of all ages, while providing valuable experience for young dancers considering a career in the profession.