ARTIS–UPLIFTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Artis–Naples holiday programming is filled with the spirit of our post-storm community initiative Artis–Uplifting, helping those who were 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.”

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. More information about performances and presentations that are part of Artis–Uplifting can be found at artisnaples.org.

Artis–Naples’ traditional holiday programs will certainly make spirits rise, beginning with voices lifted in song to present 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 T. Warner, present one of music’s most beloved choral works in this treasured and inspiring holiday classic.

The Naples Philharmonic stays in the holiday spirit for the 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 to perform a variety of festive standards in a holly-decked Hayes Hall.

And of course, it wouldn’t feel like the holidays without the annual presentation of Naples Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker on December 20 and December 21, with the Naples Philharmonic. Tchaikovsky’s timeless tale comes to life in this enchanting performance by local dancers from Naples Ballet and nationally recognized professional soloists.

But it’s not just holiday programming that will be keeping things lively at Artis–Naples in December. Opera fans can also rejoice as Opera Naples presents Gounod’s Romeo et Juliette 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.

Speaking of star-crossed lovers, Artis–Naples’ first touring Broadway production of the 2022-23 season, Hadestown, makes its bows on the Hayes Hall stage 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.

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

PHOTOS: Above top left: Ran Hwang, Contemplation Time
Second Left from top: Holiday Pops, performed by the Naples Philharmonic
Right: The Nutcracker, performed by the Naples Ballet
Bottom left: Maria-Christina Oliveras in the Hadestown North American Tour; Photo by T. Charles Erickson

For tickets and additional information visit:
artisnaples.org.