“In a dramatic downturn for Orlando Ballet, the 42-year-old organization confirmed Wednesday it had terminated interim director James Cundiff, canceled two performances of perennial favorite ‘The Nutcracker’ and called into question the future of live music with its shows,” reports Matthew J. Palm in Thursday’s (11/5) Orlando Sentinel (Florida). “The ballet has been heavily promoting its first season with live orchestral accompaniment, rather than recorded music, at each performance. ‘We are working with an outside business expert, and our hope is that we continue with live music,’ wrote Andrea Batchelor, president of the ballet’s board of directors, in an email.… It’s a setback for the organization, which had been building momentum. In September, the troupe announced an expansion of its yearly ‘Nutcracker’ schedule.… Just days ago, the ballet opened its season with ‘Giselle,’ accompanied by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra led by new music director Eric Jacobsen. The ballet has a contract with the orchestra to provide live music. The orchestra’s board of directors will meet with ballet leaders ‘to address the upcoming “Nutcracker” run and our ongoing relationship,’ said David Schillhammer, executive director of the Philharmonic.… ‘We support Orlando Ballet as a long-term partner.’ ”
Posted November 6, 2015
