The University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ (UNCSA) production of “The Nutcracker” — a beloved holiday tradition throughout the Piedmont Triad — will return for its 60th season in 2025. For the third year, “The Nutcracker” will take place at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro while the Stevens Center in Winston-Salem, the traditional home of “The Nutcracker,” continues to undergo a comprehensive renovation.
“The Nutcracker” is presented by Flow Automotive and will feature the highly acclaimed Mexican musician and UNCSA alum Felipe Tristán (P.A.C. ’11) as guest conductor.
“Returning to UNCSA to conduct ‘The Nutcracker’ is very special for me as a proud alumnus,” said Tristán. “It’s one of the most cherished ballets, filled with magic, wonder, timeless music, iconic scenes and the spirit of the holidays. To share that joy with the talented UNCSA students from across the Dance, Music and Design and Production conservatories and the superb production team at the Tanger Center is truly an honor.”
UNCSA will offer five performances of “The Nutcracker” December 5 through 7. Opening night will be Friday, December 5, with a performance at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, December 6, there will be a matinee at noon and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 7, will include 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. shows.
“We’re thrilled to continue the beloved UNCSA tradition of ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Tanger Center this year,” said Endalyn T. Outlaw, dean of the School of Dance. “It’s a privilege to provide our students with the opportunity to perform in such a spectacular venue while delighting loyal patrons from Winston-Salem, welcoming back Greensboro patrons, and engaging new audiences from the Piedmont Triad area and beyond. We look forward to raising the curtain on opening night, December 5.”
Tickets for “The Nutcracker” begin at $39 (taxes and fees not included) and can be purchased at TangerCenter.com. Optional upgrades include on-site VIP parking, Lee & Wrangler Lounge access and the Tanger Center’s pre-event Prelude Dining experience for select performances. More information about “The Nutcracker” can be found at uncsa.edu/nutcracker.
About Felipe Tristán
Felipe Tristán is one of the most distinguished Mexican conductors of his generation, known for his artistry and leadership across the Americas, Europe and Asia. He serves as artistic director of the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra, associate conductor of the San Antonio Philharmonic, principal conductor of Ballet de Monterrey and conductor at the Manhattan School of Music.
A University of North Carolina School of the Arts alumnus, Tristán became the first Mexican conductor to receive Poland’s Muzyczne Orły Award for best recording in 2024, recognizing his album “Flute Concertos – Penderecki & Reinecke” with the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra. That year, he also completed a residency with the San Francisco Ballet, returned to conduct at the MET Gala and appeared in the Disney+ documentary “In Vogue: The 90s.”
A Carnegie Hall alumnus, Tristán has led orchestras worldwide and collaborated with Grammy-winning institutions including Belongó Afro Latin Jazz, Carnegie Hall Citywide, Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic. He is also principal conductor of the Texas New Music Festival, where he mentors emerging composers and conductors.
His upcoming 2025-26 season includes “La Traviata,” “The Nutcracker” in San Antonio and North Carolina, “Giselle” with Ballet de Monterrey, “Juan Gabriel: A Philharmonic Tribute,” and a European tour with the Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra and debuts with the Sofia and North Czech philharmonics.
