Symphony and circus

As the symphony plays, gasps of fear and excitement can be heard all over the audience. When everything is over, strangers gab with each other as if they were at an M. Night Shyamalan premiere. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill symphony. This is Cirque de la Symphonie. Having performed with some of the most notable orchestras in the country, Cirque de la Symphonie is a dazzling combination of classical masterpieces with modern circus performance art. Watch the acrobats, jugglers, strongmen and contortionists mash perfectly with timeless classical music.

One of Cirque de la Symphonie’s acts seems to have stolen the spotlight entirely. Suspended on two sets of white scarves, two of the artists dance—or quite possibly fly—through the air to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. During hard economic times, many activities get skipped over for the sake of budgeting. This could be a nice escape from it all—a world of dreams and magic. Whether you are a fan of the circus or symphony, young or old, hipster or nerd, this show caters to everyone.

Cirque de la Symphonie happens Saturday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. Tickets are $15-$40. For more information visit www.musicinthemountains.org.