The Tucson Symphony Orchestra will team up with the University of Arizona School of Dance, vocalist Katherine Byrnes and Orkesta Mendoza for this year’s “Holidays in Tucson.”
TSO Conductor José Luis Gomez will be at the podium for two performances on Dec. 13–14 at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall.
For the UA School of Dance, the partnership continues a long history of artistic exchange with the symphony.
Faculty members Tamara Dyke-Compton and Marquez Johnson say the collaboration stretches back decades, from “Nutcracker” excerpts to large-scale productions like the January 2024 performance of Ravel’s “Bolero.”
“There’s been a history of collaboration with TSO, and it’s been well received,” Johnson said. “It’s fun to get back into it in a different capacity.”
This year’s program features a reimagined Duke Ellington–inspired take on Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Johnson, Dyke-Compton, School of Dance Director Cyrus Duane and Assistant Choreographer Christian Blue.
Rather than staging a traditional ballet, the choreographers shaped a narrative around a lively family holiday party. complete with nosy aunts, mischievous twins and the chaos of siblings negotiating gifts.
“I hope audiences are inspired by a different interpretation of the Nutcracker,” Dyke-Compton said. “The music is so jazzy and fun, and it’s a whirlwind of genres. It opens up a new way of seeing what ‘The Nutcracker’ can be.”
Rehearsals begin with recorded tracks closely matched to the live score, but the dancers must stay flexible. Live orchestral tempos shift, stage spacing changes and the choreography adjusts accordingly, Johnson said. .
“Maintaining the choreography malleable is important,” he said. “TSO gives us time onstage with the orchestra, so we can understand the exact tempo and make adjustments. It helps everyone feel comfortable.”
The partnership also gives student dancers a professional-caliber experience — rehearsing in a major concert hall, collaborating with veteran musicians and performing for audiences that may be seeing UA Dance for the first time.
Many dancers, Dyke-Compton noted, have only experienced a traditional version of ‘The Nutcracker’ before this. The jazz suite pushes them into new roles and new forms of storytelling.
Both faculty members emphasized the community-building power of dance and music, especially during the holidays.
“It’s a unique way in Tucson to bring two strong arts communities together,” Dyke-Compton said. “Our audience shares with theirs, and theirs with us.”
For Duane, who has prioritized student career development during his tenure as director, the partnership reflects a broader vision for preparing young dancers for professional pathways.
“This is just one example of how his leadership has expanded opportunities and community engagement,” Dyke-Compton said.
Johnson hopes audiences walk away feeling restored.
“With the hustle and bustle of the season, I’m hoping people can just sit, relax, enjoy the music and dancers, and get a renewed sense of holiday spirit.”
Tucson cumbia band Orkesta Mendoza will be part of “Holiday in Tucson” after the Tucson desert rock band Calexico had to pull out in late November. The program also includes holiday favorites including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Las Calles de Tucson” by Tucson musician Salvador Duran.
Holidays in Tucson
What: Tucson Symphony Orchestra with UA School of Dance, Orkesta Mendoza and Katherine Byrnes
When: Dec. 13th at 7:30pm & Dec. 14th at 2:00pm
Where: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall. 260 S. Church Ave.
Tickets: Range from $24.80- $98.00, and can be found- https://www.tucsonsymphony.org/event/holidays-in-tucson-2025/2025-12-13/
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
