The celesta, an instrument invented in 1896, gets its name for its "celestial," tinkling sound. It provides the distinctive music that accompanies the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker.

There comes a moment in 'The Nutcracker' when the Sugar Plum Fairy dances to a tune you’ve probably heard before. Over plucked string instruments, a glassy bell-like melody emerges from a celesta, ...

In the 1890s, when the Russian composer Tchaikovsky was preparing to write the music for the ballet that would become his holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” he encountered a brand-new instrument: the ...

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Sugar Plum Fairy is going to fall flat on her face, and “Hedwig’s Theme” from “Harry Potter” will lose its magic unless Orchestra Iowa raises enough money to buy a new celesta.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Orchestra Iowa kicks off its season in just over two weeks. Tuesday, leaders with the nonprofit told TV9 that because of community support, they have enough money to get an ...