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Guest Writer

Finding Comfort and Joy in the Arts


Holiday Pops

 

Artis—Naples holiday programming is filled with the spirit of a post-storm community initiative, Artis—Uplifting, helping those affected heal through the restorative power of the arts.


“While many in our area are continuing the long process of recovery from the storm, Artis—Naples is here to bring hope and inspiration through the arts,” says CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen. “Our wish is that time spent at Artis—Naples during this difficult time can be a gift of comfort and joy to this holiday season.”



Ran Hwang, Garden of Water

 

Through the Artis—Uplifting program, admission to The Baker Museum is free through December 31, offering visitors the opportunity to view several stellar exhibitions including Helen Frankenthaler: Late Works, 1990-2003, Ran Hwang: Becoming Again, Recent Acquisitions: 2019-Present, and Florida Contemporary 2022-23. Information about performances and presentations that are part of Artis—Uplifting can be found at artisnaples.org.


Artis—Naples’ traditional holiday programs can certainly make spirits rise, beginning with voices lifted in song to present the iconic Handel’s Messiah on December 1. Associate Conductor Radu Paponiu and the Naples Philharmonic, along with the Naples Philharmonic Chorus under the direction of Jeremy Warner, present one of music’s most enduring choral works in this always-inspiring holiday classic.


The Naples Philharmonic keeps the festive spirit going when they perform Holiday Pops from December 15 through 18, joined by the Naples Philharmonic Chorus and the Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus, under the direction of Barbara Sletto, bringing a variety of holiday standards to a holly-decked Hayes Hall.


Nutcracker

 

What would the holidays be without the Naples Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker? On December 20 and December 21, Naples Ballet and the Naples Philharmonic, bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless tale to life in this enchanting performance by local dancers and nationally recognized professional soloists.


There is more than just holiday programming to choose from at Artis—Naples in December. Opera fans will have much to celebrate as Opera Naples presents Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette on December 4 and December 5. This opera in five acts is a retelling of

Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, filled with harmonious duets, dazzling waltzes, family feuds, and the most famous of all star-crossed lovers. And speaking of star-crossed lovers: Artis—Naples’ first touring Broadway production of the 2022-23 season, Hadestown, enchants the Hayes Hall stage from December 27 through January 1. This modern retelling of the mythic couples Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone garnered multiple awards, including the 2019 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.


Hadestown, Nathan Lee Graham and company in the Hadestown North American Tour 2022

Photo by T. Charles Erickson

 

Proving that December is indeed filled with musical gifts, audiences will thrill to the Beethoven Violin Concerto as performed by new Artistic Partner James Ehnes and the Naples Philharmonic, with guest conductor Sir Mark Elder, on December 9 and 10.

Tickets and additional details can be found at artisnaples.org.


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