FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 7, 2008
KRAFT FAMILY MATINEE SERIES CLOSES SEASON WITH
"PETER AND THE WOLF" ON SATURDAY, MAY 3
Magic Circle Mime Company joins Chicago Symphony Orchestra
with a bold spin on Prokofiev's classic musical tale
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will close its 2007-2008 Kraft Family Matinee Series—themed "A Musical Menagerie"—on Saturday, May 3, with "Peter and the Wolf," a specially designed program to introduce children to orchestral music in an entertaining and educational way. There are two performances, at 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Conductor Stuart Chafetz returns to conduct members of the Orchestra, with special guest artists the Magic Circle Mime Company, in this entertaining program for kids of all ages, which includes Prokofiev's timeless musical adventure "Peter and the Wolf" as well as Suppé's jaunty "Light Cavalry" Overture.
Prokofiev's beloved music sets the scene for the legendary story of Peter—cast in this version as the conductor's assistant—who must capture a menacing wolf that threatens the orchestra and audience alike. With the help of the musicians, good triumphs over evil and the concert ends with a victorious celebration.
Kraft Family Matinee Series concerts are recommended for families with children ages 5 and up. One hour before each performance, concertgoers can participate in free educational and fun family-friendly musical activities in the Symphony Center Rotunda, including "Paper-Bag Pets" with the Art Institute of Chicago, a "Composer's Corner" and instrument demonstrations by musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
Magic Circle Mime Company is one of today's most admired family theatrical attractions. Their highly acclaimed performances, which unite the concert orchestra with visual theater, are consistently praised for imaginative, engaging, educational and innovative content. Magic Circle Mime Company has been a frequent guest at the CSO's family concerts, including the programs "Orchestra from Planet X," "The Mozart Experience" and "The Magic Horn."
Stuart Chafetz is resident conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Maui Pops Orchestra. An advocate for the musical education of young people, he is known for engaging audiences with his innovative and exciting classical, pops and family concerts. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and he has held positions with the Louisville Orchestra and the Honolulu Symphony. He has conducted hundreds of performances nationwide focusing on the importance of classical music and the fine arts in our everyday lives.
This program will also be presented at Orchestra Hall earlier in the week for school groups as part of the Very Special Promenades series, for students in kindergarten through third grade and students of all ages with special needs. The Kraft Family Matinee Series is generously sponsored by Kraft Foods.
Details of the exciting 2008-2009 Kraft Family Matinee Series will be announced soon.
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