Park Eatery Kinderconcerts kick off with returning favourite: The Nutcracker
GUELPH, ON October 22, 2025 — The timeless tale of The Nutcracker comes to life through a musically enriching performance curated for kids five and under. Kick off the holidays early this year with The Nutcracker, the first of three Kinderconcerts in River Run’s Studio Theatre. The 30-minute show is perfectly sized for little ones, with performances at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 15.
Kinderconcerts are performed by members of Guelph Symphony Orchestra (GSO) who love sharing their passion for music with a young audience. With audience participation highly encouraged, children are invited to sit close to the musicians and after the performance, they have the opportunity to meet the performers and the instruments in a hands-on, immersive experience.
Joe Ringhofer, GSO’s pre-concert presenter, describes these shows as an opportunity for young children to experience that “music is real” and not just something from a digital device.
The Nutcracker tells the classic story of Clara, a young girl who falls asleep on Christmas Eve with her nutcracker doll in her arms. She is swept away to the magical Land of Sweets, where she battles the Mouse King. This fantastical tale dates back to 1816 and inspired the famous ballet by Tchaikovsky in 1892.
Kween narrates this season’s Kinderconcerts, passionately bringing the beloved story to life, woven into Tchaikovsky’s magical score. Kween is a multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and activist as well as one of Guelph’s current artists in residence. She helps breathe excitement and enchantment into this season’s Kinderconcerts.
Specifically designed for young audiences and enjoyed by the whole family, these performances are some of River Run’s most popular annual events. This year’s Kinderconcerts are supported by returning Series Sponsor Park Eatery and Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth. The other two shows in the series are Carmen and the Bubblegum Factory on February 26, and Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky on March 28.
Tickets to The Nutcracker are $15 for adults, $13 for patrons over 60 or under 30 years old, and $11 for children 14 and under, including infants. This performance historically sells out, so interested parents are encouraged to book tickets soon. For more information or to purchase, contact the Box Office at 519-763-3000, visit 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or get details online at https://riverrun.ca/whats-on/kinderconcert-the-nutcracker/.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre | City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]