PROGRAM NOTES
A CIRQUE HOLIDAY SOIRÉE
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Stephanie Nolt
Troupe Vertigo Nicholas Hersh
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 , Los Angeles-based 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 . Troupe Vertigo , whose “ dizzying acts defy gravity and leave its lucky audiences in awe ” ( The Los Angeles Times ) has collaborated with major orchestras across North America : in 2022 , the troupe has performed with Detroit Symphony , Seattle Symphony , Baltimore Symphony , Fort Worth Symphony , and at Chicago ’ s Grant Park Music Festival . Recent highlights include working with Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect 2 and with Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz in Water for Elephants .
American conductor Nicholas Hersh has earned critical acclaim for his innovative programming and natural ability to connect with musicians and audiences alike .
In the 2022 – 23 season , Hersh debuts with the Utah , Colorado and Modesto symphonies , and The Florida Orchestra , and returns to the Baltimore , Houston and New Jersey symphony orchestras , and Rochester Philharmonic . Highlights of the prior season include engagements with the National ( D . C .), Detroit , Grand Rapids , Portland ( ME ), and Tucson symphony orchestras , Louisiana Philharmonic , Sarasota Orchestra , and symphonies of Richmond and Winston-Salem , and Peabody Opera . Other recent conducting appearances include the Phoenix Symphony , North Carolina Symphony , and New World Symphony .
Over a remarkable tenure as Associate Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra , Hersh created 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 concerts in and around Baltimore and directed the BSO ’ s educational and family programming .
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