The Return of the Tap Dancing Reindeer

Everyone’s favorite tap-dancing reindeer from the Evanston Dance Ensemble (EDE) return to join the Evanston Symphony Orchestra performing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but that’s not all! It wouldn’t be the holiday season without the Nutcracker, and this year the EDE will be dancing the Overture and Peanut Brittle Brigade (March) from Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker, a jazzy version of the classical holiday favorite. The EDE will also be dancing to “The Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” from Solomon, an oratorio composed by Handel that premiered in 1749. Even today, this particular tune is easily recognized since it is often heard at weddings or used as processional music.

We are delighted to welcome another Evanston dance group, Chicago Ballet Arts, whose young dancers will be joining our holiday festivities for the first time this year dancing to the final two movements from Carol Symphony by Victor Hely-Hutchinson. The piece was first performed in 1927 and is based on many Christmas carols, including “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” and “Here We Come a Wassailing,” all of which will be accompanied by the Evanston Symphony Orchestra.

Other pieces on the program include Sleigh Ride, Hallelujah Chorus, and many more holiday favorites. The Evanston Symphony Orchestra, Evanston Dance Ensemble, and Chicago Ballet Arts will be joined by the North Shore Choral Society and the Evanston Symphony Holiday Gospel Choir.