Once upon a time, in the magical world of Phoenix, a symphony of dulcet tones filled the air beneath the stage. The familiar melodies of 'The Nutcracker' danced their way through the cramped space as satin-clad toes twirled and pirouetted above. For Ballet Arizona and numerous other productions all across the globe, a pit filled with talented musicians is an integral part of the cherished tradition.
In recent years, productions have been faced with difficult decisions, turning to recordings as they grapple with the ever-present challenges of soaring costs and unforeseen crises. The pandemic, in particular, forced theaters to go silent during the public health closures, leaving a void that needed to be filled. However, fans, musicians, and union leaders unanimously agree - nothing quite compares to the electric energy and unseen signature that live music brings to each show, even if the path to achieving it is sometimes fraught with obstacles.
