Beginning December 12, every Columbia performance of William Starrett’s holiday classic will feature the SC Ballet Orchestra conducted by Scott Weiss.
COLUMBIA, S.C. South Carolina Ballet announced today that all six Koger Center performances of William Starrett’s Nutcracker will feature live orchestral accompaniment by the SC Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Scott Weiss.
Originally planned for the two Saturday evening performances, the orchestra will now perform for every matinée and evening performance during the company’s December 12 through 20 engagement at the Koger Center for the Arts.
The expansion marks a significant artistic investment in one of South Carolina Ballet’s most important productions and allows every Columbia audience to experience Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score performed live with the company’s professional dancers.
“Nutcracker is one of the great traditions of the holiday season, and Tchaikovsky’s score is at the very heart of the production,” said William Starrett, CEO and Artistic Director of South Carolina Ballet. “Having our orchestra for all six Koger Center performances allows us to present this production as it was meant to be experienced, with professional dancers and musicians coming together live on the same stage.”
MATINÉE TICKETS REMAIN AT CURRENT PRICES THROUGH OCTOBER 16
With the addition of live orchestra to all performances, matinée ticket prices will increase by $10 beginning October 17. Patrons who purchase matinée tickets by October 16 will receive the newly expanded production at current ticket prices.
Staged and choreographed by Starrett, Nutcracker has become one of South Carolina Ballet’s signature productions and a holiday tradition for audiences throughout the Southeast. The production combines the company’s professional dancers with grand scenery, richly detailed costumes, theatrical effects, and its much-loved live unicorn.
From the excitement of Clara’s Christmas Eve party to the beauty of the Land of Sweets, Starrett’s production brings together classical ballet and Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score in an opulent holiday production.
While South Carolina Ballet tours Nutcracker throughout the Southeast, the Columbia engagement offers audiences the opportunity to experience the production on the company’s home stage at the Koger Center for the Arts. The six Columbia performances will be the only performances of South Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker featuring the SC Ballet Orchestra, and the only Koger Center for the Arts Nutcracker presentation with live music.
SOUTH CAROLINA BALLET’S NUTCRACKER
December 12 through 20, 2026
Koger Center for the Arts
1051 Greene Street, Columbia, SC
Saturday, December 12: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13: 3 p.m.
Saturday, December 19: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 20: 3 p.m.
All six performances feature the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Scott Weiss.
Tickets are available through the Koger Center for the Arts or by calling 803-251-2222. Patrons purchasing matinée tickets through October 16 will receive current ticket prices before the $10 increase takes effect October 17.
Opening December 12, the company’s signature holiday production will feature live orchestral music at every matinée and evening performance. Buy matinée tickets by September 30 to save $10 per ticket before prices increase October 17.
