Watch Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquini Put Samba Spin On ‘Waltz Of The Flowers’ From ‘The Nutcracker’
“Nutcracker music like it’s never been done before!” — Natalie Cressman
By Scott Bernstein Dec 14, 2023 • 12:29 pm PST
The duo of spread the yuletide cheer by unveiling a live performance video featuring their arrangement of “Waltz Of The Flowers.” Tchaikovsky composed the piece for his The Nutcracker ballet.
“Waltz Of The Flowers” is one of four holiday-themed songs trombonist/vocalist Natalie Cressman and guitarist Ian Faquini interpreted for An Old Fashioned Christmas, an EP recently released via 12/23 Records/GroudUP Music. Proceeds from the set benefit The Colorectal Cancer Alliance and Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Hope’s Clinic in tribute to Cressman’s late Trey Anastasio Band bandmate James Casey.
Advertisement
“As a kid, I spent the holiday season dancing so many different roles of this ballet and so this music is in my bones,” wrote Cressman of The Nutcracker on Instagram. “I danced the waltz of the flowers for years as a teenager, pointe shoes and all.”
The pair’s take on “Waltz Of The Flowers” honors Faquini’s Brazilian heritage. “After struggling to fit all the parts of the orchestra into our duo arrangement, we came up with this samba gafiera feel that turned it into a whole different vibe,” Cressman explained.
See Cressman and Faquini’s “Waltz Of The Flowers” performance below:
Loading tour dates
