Thanks to Ed Sullivan and the legion of jugglers (and worse) he showcased on his variety show for decades, Khachaturian’s frenetic Sabre Dance, originally a balletic evocation of high-leaping warrior bravado, became the ubiquitous accompaniment to—and sonic signifier of—cheesy vaudeville hijinks. But Seattle Symphony’s taking pains to restore a little dignity to the combination of classical music and circus acts with Cirque de la Symphonie. Popular in past years, the holiday special brings a cast of talented aerialists, acrobats, balancers, and more, from top troupes around the globe, to match visual delights to aural ones. Eric Garcia conducts. GAVIN BORCHERT

Dec. 2-5, 7:30 p.m., 2010