Christmas at the Big Top

There seems to be a collective, preconceived notion that orchestra concerts are stodgy affairs. But shattering that idea is Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra’s (TSO) annual Christmas show with Cirque de la Symphonie, Holiday Magic! Cirque de Noel. 

“There is the stereotype that you go sit down, be very stiff and do not talk to anyone,” said the TSO’s Director of Marketing Mary Kelsay. In some cases, this is true, just not at Cirque de Noel, where professional circus performers juggle, do magic tricks, and interact with and fly over audiences, all while a live orchestra plays popular Christmas music. 

“It’s wonderful,” Kelsay said. “I love showing people everything an orchestra can be to them.” 

Photos courtesy of Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

The TSO has always done something special for the holidays, but they used to shake things up — a jazz performance one year, a more traditional show the next. It wasn’t until 2021 that they stumbled upon a more permanent Christmas tradition.

“The circus company Cirque de la Symphonie did one of our holiday shows 10 years ago,” Kelsay said. “So we thought, ‘Hey, why don’t we bring them back? It’s been a while, and people might really like it.’”

Unlike other circus troupes, Cirque de la Symphonie works exclusively with orchestras. Its teams of acrobats, contortionists, aerialists and more travel year-round to perform with big-name groups from across the globe, such as the National Symphony Orchestra, the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the Boston Pops, to name a few.    

Orchestras determine the show they want — classic, holiday, etc. — and the types of performers they want. Then, Cirque de la Symphonie assesses each orchestra’s performance hall to ensure it’s appropriately equipped. Once the show’s date is set, both groups get to work, rehearsing separately before rejoining for technical rehearsals.  

What happens next is magic.

“The show is breathtaking to see,” Kelsay said. “I go to all the rehearsals and all the concerts, so I’ve seen it, what, 12 times now? And it’s still as exciting as the first time … I love it.” 

Photo courtesy of Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

Given that Cirque de Noel has sold out the last three years, it’s safe to say that Tallahassee audiences love it, too. 

“I hear from people after the concert that this is their new holiday tradition, and I love that the orchestra is a part of that,” Kelsay said. “We’re grateful to have not only a hall that can support this kind of show but a community that’s excited about it.”

The TSO is currently undergoing a conductor search following the departure of the beloved Darko Butorac at the end of the 2023–24 season. The search has yielded five finalists, each of whom will have the opportunity to lead the orchestra at one point during the 2024–25 season. Cirque de Noel, meanwhile, will be guest-conducted by Western Piedmont Symphony Music Director Matthew Troy. 

According to Kelsay, the TSO hasn’t worked with Troy before; however, he meets all the criteria for this particular job: He’s led orchestras of comparable size, loves the circus aspect and is great with kids — a critical consideration seeing as the TSO offers truncated versions of Cirque de Noel for elementary school field trips. 

“It was important we had a conductor who could engage the children (and do things like) a sing-a-long, ask them questions about the orchestra and show them the different instruments — you know, make it more educational for them,” Kelsay said. “Troy does that type of work frequently, so that’s one of the main reasons he’s such a great fit for guest conducting — he can do both sides of that show.” 

Take a break from all the hustle and bustle this Christmas season, and get on down to the big top. Metaphorically speaking, of course.  

Holiday Magic: Cirque de Noel

This year, audiences will have two opportunities to see the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra perform alongside Cirque de la Symphonie. Both shows will occur at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 3–5 p.m. and again at 7:30–9:30 p.m. For ticketing information, visit TallahasseeSymphony.org. 

Traditional Tidings

For those who prefer the classics, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) also offers special holiday performances of Handel’s Messiah at Trinity United Methodist Church. Visit the TSO’s website for venue information and showtimes.