As the end of the summer approaches, two performing arts groups in Nashville have announced their plans to reopen, albeit with protective measures in place.

As Nashville Ballet continues their virtual offerings, they have also begun a phased reopening of their building, and plan to host their July summer intensive with safety protocols in place. They are also exploring the possibility of outdoor classes for their adult program.

The kickoff of Nashville Ballet’s 2020-2021 season was to be a performance of 72 Steps by second company NB2. The piece, which tells the story of the fight for women’s suffrage, will still happen as scheduled on the anniversary of Tennessee’s ratification of the 19th amendment 100 years ago. However, it will be a digital performance. While this is a different kind of celebration, it does bring a wide access to this piece for audiences nationwide, as well as for an educational tool about the suffrage anniversary.

The first work to be presented by the Nashville Ballet’s main company is a love letter to its hometown of music city. Choreography by Mollie Sansone, Gerald Watson, Christopher Stuart, and Artistic Director Paul Vasterling will be featured in a structured setting for safe distancing, at the ballet’s home in Sylvan Park. Community runs November 6-16.

Nashville Ballet Company Member Katie Vasilopoulos, whose choreography will be featured in both “Community” and “Attitude”courtesy, Nashville Ballet

The rest of the season is scheduled to run as planned, with Nashville’s Nutcracker in its TPAC home through December, an installment of the Attitude new works series featuring works by women, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream to follow in May, with Emergence returning to the Nashville Ballet building immediately after.

Nashville Opera has announced their 40th anniversary season, beginning with the company’s first ever commission. One Vote Won features Brooke Leigh Davis and Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva as Diane Nash and Frankie Pierce, convincing Gloria, played by Tamica Nicole, of the value of her vote. Music by Dave Ragland and a libretto by Mary McCallum make One Vote Won a fully homegrown product for Music City. The season-opener will be streamed on-demand September 25-27.

Soprano Tamica Nicole, who will play Grace in “By One Vote” performs on Live in Studio C.Kara McLeland91Classical

Like many organizations, Nashville Opera has also expanded their online educational offerings. Video of their touring and school productions is now available on their website.

With Opera Jukebox, the audience will actually determine the program. Bidding on which pieces will be performed will take place for the week preceding the performance. This concert will be a live-stream on October 17.

Like Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera is planning to conclude their season at TPAC, with the pandemic-delayed Rigoletto Noir and a performance of Rossini’s Cinderella both in the spring of 2021.

While the Nashville Symphony plans a reopening in the fall of 2021, members of the orchestra have been hard at work on video. The Nashville Symphony Musicians YouTube page is up to 60 videos and counting. It’s a rare chance to see those players up close rather than from the Schermerhorn’s seats.

The Frist Art Museum also has reopened to limited crowds, and they have expanded the availability of exhibits that would have expired while they were closed. Time-specific tickets to see the work of JMW Turner and Mel Ziegler’s Flag Exchange are available on their website.

For continued updates as artistic seasons begin, stay in touch with 91Classical on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.