Statement from Milwaukee Musicians Association, AFM Local 8 On Milwaukee Ballet Decision to Stop Live Use Canned Music Music For The Nutcracker

“As the voice of the talented professional musicians of Milwaukee, Local 8 stands in firm opposition to the recent decision by the Milwaukee Ballet to replace live music with recorded tracks for this season’s production of The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is the first interaction experience that many Wisconsinites have with both classical music and ballet. It would be a real profound disservice to our community for this meaningful cultural event to not be experienced as it was intended. Live music is the beating heart of productions like The Nutcracker, delivering an unmatched experience and elevating both performance and audience engagement. Recorded music, no matter how well-produced, cannot replicate the dynamic and spontaneous connection between live musicians and dancers, or the energy shared with audiences. This connection is essential to the compelling and evocative storytelling that patrons return for year after year.

We wish to emphasize that Investing in live music is investing in the quality and authenticity of the performances Milwaukee audiences have come to expect. It sustains not only the cultural significance of our productions but also the livelihoods of many talented local musicians who have dedicated their careers to the arts. Such a crude and draconian cut to the quality of Milwaukee Ballet’s live performances is the worst possible way for the Company – or any performing arts institution – to save money.

We urge Milwaukee Ballet to consider both the long-term and short-term cultural and community impacts of their decision and to seek alternative solutions that preserve the integrity and quality of their performances. This is the wrong way to save a tiny percentage of the Company’s overall budget. Collaboration and creativity are at the core of the arts; we remain open and eager to work with the Ballet to find paths forward that allow live music to continue enriching Milwaukee’s cherished artistic heritage”.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.