Preview: "Holiday Arts Guide 2016: A wonderful, busy time for classical music and dance in Cleveland"

One of the longest and most revered holiday traditions in Northeast Ohio: The Cleveland Orchestra's Christmas Concerts. This year the popular programs will be led by associate conductor Brett Mitchell. (Photo by The Plain Dealer)

The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) has published its annual, curated selection of holiday performances in Northeast Ohio, including two programs presented by Brett Mitchell and The Cleveland Orchestra:

Cleveland Orchestra
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 10-18; Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.
Performances at 7:30 p.m. (Dec. 10, 11, 15 and 16) and 2:30 p.m. (Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18).
$45-$105; clevelandorchestra.com or 216-231-1111.

In a change of pace, associate conductor Brett Mitchell presides over the Cleveland Orchestra's popular holiday show this year, in lieu of Robert Porco. The rest of the program, however, remains the same. Expect performances of traditional and lesser-known holiday music by the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, contributions by area choirs, sing-along selections and a visit from you-know-who.

Pennsylvania Ballet/Cleveland Orchestra
Wednesday, Nov. 30-Sunday, Nov. 4; State Theatre, Playhouse Square, Cleveland.
Performances at 7 p.m. (Nov. 30-Dec. 3), 11 a.m. (Dec. 2) and 2 p.m. (Dec. 3 and 4).
$15-$99; playhousesquare.org or 216-241-6000.

If you plan to attend only one production of "The Nutcracker" this season, this may be the one to catch. The great Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Ballet returns to collaborate with the Cleveland Orchestra on a lavish account of the famous tale, in the version conceived by George Balanchine. This is the standard to which most other productions aspire.

To read the complete preview, please click here.