BILLINGS - The Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale announced Thursday it has canceled the annual Nutcracker performance and moved its Holiday Pops concert online "in a continued effort to help suppress the spread of COVID-19 in the Billings community."
"We have performed the Nutcracker for more than 30 years without interruption," the organization said in a press release. "We have shared the experience with the talented dancers of the Montana Ballet Company lead by Betty Loos and the beautiful voices of the Children's ROCK Opera lead by Janie Sutton. The San Diego Ballet Company has been a gracious partner for the past 15 years, providing beauty, grace, and humor to our beloved Thanksgiving Day tradition. For the safety of everyone involved, we have made the heart-wrenching decision to cancel the Nutcracker this year. We hope more than anything to continue the tradition next season."
The Holiday Pops concert, scheduled for Dec. 19, will be as a live stream concert only, the organization also announced.
"The BSOC's Holiday Pops concert will still feature the beautiful vocals of Amy Schendel and the big band sound of the Rocky Mountain Jazz Collective," the press release states. "We cannot wait to be with you for the holidays again. Until that time comes, please be with us online."
"The Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Billings Community," the press release continues. "We know this has been a trying time for all. Your patience and support continue to warm our hearts and give us the drive to provide world-class music to you, no matter what form it takes."
For more information and to purchase your online ticket for Holiday Pops, please visit billingssymphony.org/shows/classic-series/holiday-pops/ [billingssymphony.org].
