PROGRAM NOTES
CIRQUE NUTCRACKER
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Yupeng Gu
Maximilian Franz
Nicholas Hersh Troupe Vertigo
Nicholas Hersh Troupe Vertigo
Over a remarkable tenure as Associate Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra , Nicholas Hersh earned critical acclaim for his innovative programming and natural ability to connect with musicians and audiences alike . Hersh helped to create the BSO Pulse series , through which he brought together indie bands and orchestral musicians in unique collaborations ; he led the BSO in several subscription weeks ; and he directed the BSO ’ s educational and family programming , including the celebrated Academy for adult amateur musicians .
Highlights of the 2021-22 season include engagements with the New York Philharmonic ; the National , Portland , and Tucson symphony orchestras ; Sarasota Orchestra ; Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra ; Richmond Symphony ; Winston-Salem Symphony ; and Peabody Opera . Other guest conducting appearances include the Houston , New Jersey , Phoenix , North Carolina , and New World symphonies , as well as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra .
In demand as an arranger and orchestrator , with commissions from orchestras around the globe for adaptations of everything from classical solo and chamber music to popular songs , his symphonic arrangement of Queen ’ s “ Bohemian Rhapsody ” continues to see worldwide success as a viral YouTube hit .
Fusing together elements of cirque acrobatics , classical dance , and contemporary theater , Troupe Vertigo brings audiences on a spellbinding journey through the world of artistic movement . Consisting of world-class aerial artists , contortionists , and ballet dancers , LAbased Troupe Vertigo was founded in 2009 by Artistic Director Aloysia Gavre , formerly of the internationally renowned Cirque du Soleil , and Technical Director Rex Camphuis , whose background is with the fabled Pickle Family Circus . Recent highlights include working with Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect 2 and with Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz in Water for Elephants .
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