Tchaikovsky’s Christmas Masterpiece “The Nutcracker” Ballet at Cairo Opera House

22 December 2024

The Cairo Opera House, under the supervision of Dr. Lamia Zayed, proudly presents its iconic Christmas season performance: the world-class classical ballet, The Nutcracker, at the Main Hall on 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 December 2024.
Performed by the Cairo Opera Ballet Company and the Cairo Opera Orchestra, under the baton of Nader Abbassi, the ballet is choreographed by L. Ivanov, V. Vainonen, and Dr. Abdel Moneim Kamel, with set design by L. Solodovnikov and Mohamed El Gharabawy, and lighting by Yasser Shaalan. The production showcases the transformative power of love through dazzling artistic elements and visual illusions.
The story follows young Clara’s dreams on Christmas Eve after receiving a nutcracker doll from her family friend, the toymaker Drosselmeyer. When the doll is accidentally broken by her brother Fritz, Clara is heartbroken. She falls asleep, dreaming that the doll transforms into a handsome prince. Together, Clara and her prince embark on a series of enchanting adventures alongside the Christmas toys.
The Nutcracker was composed by Tchaikovsky in 1891, inspired by a story by French writer Alexandre Dumas, which was itself an adaptation of Hoffmann’s novella “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”. The ballet premiered in 1892 at the Imperial Opera Theater in Saint Petersburg and has since become one of the most celebrated classical performances. The Cairo Opera Ballet Company first staged it at the Cairo Opera House in 1993. It has been performed annually in December, preserving its classic artistic elements, including its sets, costumes, and music, to celebrate Christmas and New Year.