Classical music steps boldly into the digital age this December, as world-renowned pianist Alexandra Dariescu presents her acclaimed multimedia production The Nutcracker and I at the Nicosia International Festival 2025.
Blending solo piano, dance and digital animation, the performance offers a contemporary re-telling of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, designed to captivate both seasoned audiences and those discovering classical music for the first time.
On 28 December 2025, the Nicosia Municipal Theatre will host two performances, at 10:30 and 16:30, transforming the stage into an immersive storytelling space where sound, movement and visuals unfold as one. Having already enchanted more than 70,000 spectators worldwide, The Nutcracker and I is widely recognised for its ability to bridge generations and make classical music accessible, imaginative and engaging.
Premiered in 2017 at London’s Barbican Centre, the production has since toured major venues across Europe, Australia, China, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Earlier this year, it received critical acclaim at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) as part of the Piano Days series.
The programme features selected excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s original score, presented in piano arrangements by Mikhail Pletnev, Stefan Esipoff and Percy Grainger, alongside three newly commissioned works by Gavin Sutherland. On stage, pianist Alexandra Dariescu is joined by dancer Désirée Ballantyne, who embodies the role of young Clara, as real and virtual worlds blend seamlessly through live performance and animation.
The story
Set on Christmas Eve, the narrative follows Clara, who receives a nutcracker soldier as a gift. What begins as a quiet festive moment soon opens the door to a magical world where toys come alive and a dramatic battle erupts against an army of mice. As the Nutcracker transforms into a prince, Clara is drawn into a dreamlike journey filled with wonder, dance and music, celebrating imagination and discovery.
About Alexandra Dariescu
Born in Romania, Alexandra Dariescu is internationally recognised not only as a pianist of exceptional artistry but also as a storyteller committed to redefining how classical music is experienced today. Through innovative performances that combine technology and live art, she champions inclusion, accessibility and youth engagement, challenging long-standing stereotypes around the classical music world.
Her career includes nine critically acclaimed albums and numerous distinctions, among them Cultural Ambassador of Romania, Officer of the Romanian Crown, Young European Leader by Friends of Europe, and the Order of Cultural Merit (Knight) awarded by the Romanian President. Since September 2024, she has also served as Professor of Piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Practical information
Venue: Nicosia Municipal Theatre
Date: 28 December 2025
Times: 10:30 and 16:30
Duration: 60 minutes
Age group: Suitable for all ages
Credits:
Piano: Alexandra Dariescu
Performer: Désirée Ballantyne
Tickets:
Available online via more.com and at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre box office (Monday to Friday, 10:00–13:00).
Prices:
VIP: €16 / €18
Zone A: €14 / €16
Zone B: €12 / €14
Zone C: €10 / €12
Zone D: €8 / €10
Reduced tickets apply to children, students, soldiers, pensioners, large families, unemployed individuals, actors and people with disabilities (free), upon presentation of valid identification.
Information: 22 797979 (Monday to Friday, 10:00–13:00)