In Celebration of the Auction House’s FESTIVAL OF WONDER A Multicategory Luxury Sale Series, including Live and Online Auctions Encompassing Jewelry, Watches, Designer Handbags, Wine & More

Original Performance Specifically Created for and Filmed in Sotheby’s New York Galleries by NYCB Soloist and Choreographer Peter Walker

Performed by NYCB Soloist, Sebastian Villarini-Velez, and Corps de Ballet member, India Bradley, Styled in Select Auction Highlights from Sotheby’s December Marquee Sales of MAGNIFICENT JEWELS AND IMPORTANT WATCHES

Sotheby’s to Premiere Performance on 4 December at 2:00pm EST Across Multiple Platforms, including Sothebys.com, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook

EXHIBITIONS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BY APPOINTMENT 1 - 14 December

NEW YORK, 30 November 2020 – The Wonder of The Nutcracker comes to Sotheby’s through a special collaboration with the acclaimed New York City Ballet in celebration of The Festival of Wonder luxury sale series.

On Friday, 4 December at 2pm EST, Sotheby’s will be premiering original choreography by NYCB Soloist and choreographer Peter Walker inspired by The Nutcracker, specially created for, and filmed in Sotheby’s galleries on York Avenue. These special holiday vignettes will broadcast on multiple platforms, including Sothebys.com, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, kicking-off Sotheby’s two-week display of coveted jewels, watches, sneakers, designer handbags and wine offered through a series of live and online auctions, in addition to the company’s new Buy Now marketplace.

The magic of this extraordinary event will be highlighted by having the two dancers featured in the choreography, NYCB Soloist, Sebastian Villarini-Velez, and Corps de Ballet member, India Bradley, styled in glittering jewelry and important watches from Sotheby’s December marquee auctions.

“We are proud to partner with the world renowned NYCB to share such a timeless holiday classic with viewers who are unable to see it live this season, due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Josh Pullan, Managing Director of Sotheby’s Luxury Division. “This captivating performance full of fairytale wonder has long been a tradition for New Yorkers and holiday travelers from around the world, and we are delighted to host this performance in our galleries amongst a unique selection of fine luxury objects spanning jewels, watches, wine and fashion. Our Festival of Wonder will offer collectors the perfect opportunity for special gift-giving ideas that celebrate creativity, craftsmanship and provenance. Our “wonders” that we are offering are truly that, and have been designed together to make one-stop-shopping easy and accessible for gift-givers from around the world, with estimates ranging from $3,000 to $12 million.”

“New York City Ballet is pleased to collaborate with Sotheby’s in bringing a bit of holiday spirit and Nutcracker magic to its beautiful galleries this year,” said Katherine Brown, NYCB Executive Director. “Sotheby’s support of New York City’s cultural life is so appreciated, especially at this extraordinary time.”

In addition to live and online sales, Sotheby’s will offer a selection of luxury goods for immediate purchase through a new ‘Buy Now’ marketplace, making it easier for customers to acquire everything from fine jewelry and watches to sneakers and designer handbags with just a click of a button. Of particular note is a limited-edition RIMOWA watch case, being sold exclusively on Sothebys.com through 3 December. Other highlights include the Nike Lobster Dunk sneaker, the Hermes Lizard Mini Pochette, as well as statement jewels from iconic makers such as David Webb, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels and coveted watches from Rolex and Patek Philippe.