December Music with Gil Harel: Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, How a Late 19th Century Ballet Became An Iconic Holiday Classic

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote many works, spanning a cornucopia of genres including symphony, concerto, and even opera. But he is perhaps best remembered for his ballets, and of those, The Nutcracker looms largest. In fact, some estimates suggest that American ballet companies generate nearly 40% of their annual ticket revenue through this singular work. Written in the musical idiom of the late romantic style, the score features many iconic melodies recognizable to cognoscenti and lay listeners alike (think: "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy").

During this program, Professor Gil Harel will discuss the origin of the show, as well as Tchaikovsky's relationship with Marius Petipa, the choreographer with whom he had collaborated three years earlier on Sleeping Beauty. From the piano, he will demonstrate why the music works so well, and explain how it became irrevocably intertwined with the holiday season. 

About the Presenter

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching").

Currently, he is Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.