Saint Louis Symphony's The Nutcracker

When: Fri., Nov. 29, 8 p.m., Sat., Nov. 30, 8 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 1, 3 p.m. 2019

If you love Tchaikovsky's score but aren't really a fan of the ballet portions of The Nutcracker, the Saint Louis Symphony can help you out. The metro's best big band performs the orchestral version of The Nutcracker at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday (November 29 to December 1) at Powell Hall (718 North Grand Boulevard; www.slso.org), and there won't be a dancer in sight. Violinist/conductor Andrew Garms wields the baton for these special holiday performances, which include special $10 tickets for children with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket ($15 to $117.50).

— Paul Friswold