GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., January 11, 2011 – Children of all ages will get a taste of a playful Russian classic when dancers from the Grand Rapids Ballet Company join the Grand Rapids Symphony to bring to life the fanciful musical tale “Peter and the Wolf” for two performances on Saturday, Jan. 22.
Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the 45-minute performances, which will take place at 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Sunshine Community Church in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Symphony Lollipop concerts are sponsored by PNC.
Written more than 100 years ago as a musical symphony for children by Russian composer and conductor Sergei Prokofiev, “Peter and the Wolf” uses a narrator and music to tell the story of a young boy’s magical adventures with his grandfather and animal friends. Professional dancers from the Grand Rapids Ballet will join narrator Edye Evans Hyde and the Symphony to help bring the story to life.
“ ‘Peter and the Wolf’ is certainly the most popular children’s classics ever composed,” Varineau said. “Many generations of music lovers got their start by listening to it.
“The story is whimsical and delights listeners as much today as when it was first written. The music is timeless, charming and witty, sure to engage audiences of all ages. Our collaboration with the Ballet adds an exciting visual element to this great music.”
The music is scored so that each of the characters in the story has its own particular instrument and musical theme. In addition, Symphony musicians will dress in different colored T-shirts that will be coded to one of four instrument families – string, woodwind, brass and percussion – to help children identify and understand the various sections or “instrument families” of the orchestra.
Complimentary lollipops will be given to children as a sweet treat after the performance.
Lollipop concerts are designed especially for children four to seven years of age but are enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Sunshine Community Church is located at 3300 East Beltline NE in Grand Rapids.
General admission tickets are $5 and are available by calling the Symphony box 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 through Ticketmaster or online at www.grsymphony.org. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door the day of the concerts.
WHO: Grand Rapids Symphony, Associate Conductor John Varineau and dancers of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.
WHAT: Grand Rapids Symphony Lollipop concert “Peter and the Wolf.” Professional dancers from the Grand Rapids Ballet Company will help tell the story of a little boy’s adventure with his grandfather and animal friends. Written more than 100 years ago by Sergei Prokofiev. Edye Evans Hyde will narrate the performance. Lollipop concerts are designed especially for children four to seven years old, but are enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 22, 10:15 a.m and 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Sunshine Community Church, 3300 East Beltline, Grand Rapids
SPONSORS: PNC
TICKETS: General admission tickets are $5 and are available by calling the Symphony box 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 through Ticketmaster or online at www.grsymphony.org. A handling fee will be charged for phone orders. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door the day of the concerts. All ages require a ticket for entry.
The Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Led by Music Director David Lockington, eight concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, and also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.