A contribution from a first-time, anonymous donor will fully fund Milwaukee Ballet’s Orchestra for all public performances of The Nutcracker this holiday season, the ballet announced on Monday.
The ballet confirmed earlier this month that it would replace live music with recorded tracks for this season’s production of The Nutcracker, citing budgetary concerns.
The donor contribution allows for a reversal of the earlier decision, which led to a public outcry.
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“We are deeply grateful for this incredibly generous donation and overjoyed to have the Milwaukee Ballet orchestra with us for the holidays,” Milwaukee Ballet said in a statement. “We also thank all of our dedicated subscribers, donors and ballet enthusiasts for their continued patronage and support throughout challenging times.”
The ballet’s initial shift to use pre-recorded, not live, music for The Nutcracker performances came to light after a local musicians union decried the change. The Milwaukee Musicians Association called the decision a “crude and draconian” cut to the quality of Milwaukee Ballet’s live performances.
Although pleased with the securing of the donation, the association said it’s essential that live music remain an integral part of the ballet’s performances.
“This is a good day for the audiences who love the wonderful live music that brings The Nutcracker to life, but let’s be clear – it should never have come to this point,” the association said in a statement provided to Milwaukee Magazine. “Live music is the heart and soul of these performances, and the announcement that the Milwaukee Ballet was moving away from live music simply should have never happened.”
The donation allows the ballet to “preserve the artistic integrity” of The Nutcracker,” the association said, while expressing gratitude for the anonymous donation.
“But now it is up to the Milwaukee Ballet to work with the musicians at AFM Local 8 and ensure that live music persists and that musicians are not left wondering about their livelihoods,” the association said in its statement.
A Milwaukee Ballet spokesperson previously told Milwaukee Magazine that the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra will perform for the season opening production of Giselle, while recordings will be used for ALICE (in wonderland).
“Even as we celebrate this unexpected gift, we ask audiences to be aware that the difficulty of rising operational costs outpacing revenue growth remains. This one-time full-coverage donation has provided relief for The Nutcracker‘s live music during the 2025-26 Season ahead, but we continue to face financial obstacles in the coming year,” the Ballet said in its statement.
Milwaukee Ballet management encouraged the public to “help sustain our artistry” by subscribing, donating, and encouraging others to do the same.
“It is your most generous and consistent support that stabilizes us through highs and lows so that we can remain your world-class Milwaukee Ballet for decades to come,” the ballet said.
The statement went on to say that despite current challenges, Milwaukee Ballet remains “strong and resilient with dedicated staff and thoughtful board leadership propelling us forward.”
The Nutcracker drew nearly 4,800 attendees to three student matinees and more than 24,000 to its fifteen regular performances last holiday season.
