Music, words and visuals will spark the wonder and imagination of children when the Grand Rapids Symphony presents its next Lollipops concert, “Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant.” This forty-five minute musical story is a perfect introduction to music for children ages 3-6. Two performances will be held on Tuesday, July 27 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Sunshine Community Church.
This musical story of “Behold the Bold Umprellaphant” was commissioned by the San Diego Symphony, through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The enchanting work turns this collection of 17 poems by Children’s Poet Laureate, Jack Prelutsky, into a Carnival of the Animals for the new millennium. The poems are rhythmic and fun, captivating children as they combine inanimate objects and animals into creations like a Tubaboon, a Clocktopus, and an Umbrellaphant.
Led by Associate Conductor John Varineau, narrated by Christopher Weaver, the concerts will be a wonderful multi-media experience for children and their parents. Whimsical images from the beloved children’s book will be projected on a screen above the orchestra.
“Children will be entertained and will learn about symphonic music. Everyone in the audience will have a good time with lots of smiles all around,” shares Varineau.
To help children identify the different instrument families of the orchestra, Symphony musicians will wear colored t-shirts to show whether they belong to the string, woodwind, brass or percussion family. These colors help little ones understand the various sections of the orchestra. Complimentary lollipops are also available for the children as they leave the performance.
General admission tickets are $5 and are available by calling the Symphony Ticket Services office at 616/454-9451, Ext. 4, or by visiting the office in person at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the concert.
WHO: The Grand Rapids Symphony, Associate Conductor John Varineau, Narrator Christopher Weaver
WHAT: Grand Rapids Symphony Lollipop Concerts, “Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant.”
WHEN: Tuesday, July 27 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Sunshine Community Church
TICKETS: Tickets are $5 (general admission, all ages must be ticketed) and can be purchased without a service fee in person at the Symphony office, 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, or at the door the day of the concert. Tickets also can be purchased by calling the Symphony office at 616/454-9451, Ext 4. A handling fee will be charged for phone orders. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster by calling 800/982-2787, at outlets including select D&W Fresh Market and Family Fare Stores, Walmart or online through www.grsymphony.org. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.