Musicians Provide Missing "Nutcracker" Music

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Patrons of the Washington Ballet's presentation of "The Nutcracker" got a taste of the live music they're missing as a brass ensemble performed festive holiday selections outside the Warner Theatre last night (r). "Although more than 500 supporters have written over 2,000 emails to management and the D.C. City Council, urging The Washington Ballet to rehire its orchestra and preserve its 35-year tradition of presenting 'The Nutcracker' danced to live music," said D.C. Federation of Musicians President John Cusick (in hat at right, holding sign), "the Ballet is going forward with a recording, so we're continuing to inform the public and ask that they demand the company bring back the musicians." At a recent meeting with Ballet management that failed to produce an agreement to rehire the orchestra, "They said, 'we really want you back'; they know they want to be a top notch company and they can't be that without live music," said clarinetist Annie Ament recently on an Internet video talk show. The musicians "invite you to drop by for some good cheer and to show your support"  tonight and Saturday from 6 to 7p at the Warner (13th and E Streets NW), adds Cusick. - report/photo by Chris Garlock