Keeping the 'live' in 'alive'
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As musicians and members of the Washington Ballet Orchestra Committee, we share reviewer Sarah Kaufman's concern about the absence of live music in the production of "Don Quixote" [Style, Oct. 17]. In particular, we regret the decision by the Washington Ballet to do without its orchestra in "The Nutcracker," reversing a tradition of live accompaniment dating to 1974.
Live music brings a new level to the artistic value of the ballet experience for both dancers and the audience. The give-and-take between dancers, conductor and orchestra makes the event "alive." While we understand the financial hardships imposed on all arts organizations at this time, it is indeed "a sign of very bad news" for Washington audiences to lose this tradition.
"The Nutcracker" is often a person's first exposure to live ballet and an annual tradition for many. We hope that the current trend will be reversed.
Harriette "Patty" Hurd, Silver Spring
Anne Ament, Silver Spring
