By James Dane Harvey

for the Salisbury Symphony

Back by overwhelming demand, the Salisbury Symphony and the Piedmont Dance Theatre have announced their collaboration to bring Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet “The Nutcracker” to Keppel Auditorium this December. The much-loved holiday ballet continues to break box-office records for Keppel, reaching 100 percent capacity for three years running. This seasons’ performances will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

Now in its 15th year, with a new cast from Piedmont Dance Theatre’s troupe and in a revised production as conceived by Marius Petipa, “The Nutcracker” is choreographed by American Ballet Theatre alumna and internationally acclaimed dance star Rebecca Wiley and Juilliard-trained Daniel Wiley.

To celebrate the production’s 15th anniversary, “The Nutcracker” will showcase guest dancers Kathleen Breen Combes performing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Yury Yanowsky as the Cavalier. Breen Combes is a principal dancer of 15 years with Boston Ballet. Yanowsky, a 22-year veteran with Boston Ballet, has danced many lead roles with the company and is an award-winning choreographer.

Piedmont Dance Theatre has earned a reputation across the state for its high level of training, with soloists from recent “The Nutcracker” productions now performing with the Boston Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Hubbard Street and Cincinnati Ballet. Attending the “The Nutcracker” this December provides a rare opportunity to see some of the nation’s finest dancers on stage before they launch their careers.

Salisbury Symphony Music Director David Hagy leads the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra in the only production of “The Nutcracker” in the entire region that uses a full 49-piece orchestra.

Don’t miss this holiday treat — book early! Seating is reserved, with the online ticket outlet allowing for seat selection. For more information about Piedmont Dance Theatre, as well as to purchase “Nutcracker” tickets, visit www.piedmontdancetheatre.com

For more information about Salisbury Symphony and its current season, visit www.salisburysymphony.org