Peter and the Wolf

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of musical adventure with two of classical music’s most beloved storytelling masterpieces: Peter and the Wolf and Carnival of the Animals. Filled with colorful characters, memorable melodies, and plenty of imagination, this concert is the perfect introduction to the orchestra for listeners of all ages.

Follow the brave young Peter as he encounters a cunning wolf, with each character brought to life by a different instrument of the orchestra. Then journey through Camille Saint-Saëns’ whimsical Carnival of the Animals, where lions roar, elephants dance, turtles stroll, and swans glide gracefully across the stage. Together, these timeless works showcase the orchestra’s remarkable ability to tell stories, create vivid pictures, and spark the imagination.

Whether you're discovering classical music for the first time or revisiting childhood favorites, this family concert promises laughter, wonder, and a musical experience everyone can enjoy.

Repertoire:

Peter and the Wolf - Sergei Prokofiev

Carnival of the Animals - Camille Saint-Saëns
1. Introduction and Royal March of the Lion: Features heavy piano trills and strings establishing a royal, prideful march.
2. Hens and Roosters: The strings cluck like hens, while the clarinet mimics the crowing of a rooster.
3. Wild Donkeys (Swift Animals): Rapidly ascending and descending scales on two pianos portray donkeys rushing around.
4. Tortoises: Strings play the famous Can-Can melody from Offenbach, but drag it out at a sluggish, heavy pace.
5. The Elephant: A solo double bass plays a clumsy waltz melody, perfectly capturing the heavy steps of an enormous animal.
6. Kangaroos: Two pianos trade off bouncing, staccato intervals that capture the scampering, hopping motion of the animal.
7. Aquarium: Sweeping piano arpeggios combined with the shimmering tones of a glass harmonica create an ethereal underwater world.
8. Personages with Long Ears: High-pitched, abrasive glissandos played on the violins mimic the braying of donkeys or long-eared critics.
9. The Cuckoo in the Deep Woods: A clarinet plays a persistent two-note ostinato from offstage to mimic a cuckoo bird, backed by calm piano chords.
10. Aviary: A solo flute trills rapidly over fluttering strings to paint the picture of birds flying and singing.
11. Pianists: A humorous take where the instruments stop, and the pianists are treated like zoo specimens, loudly practicing their repetitive, awkward scales.
12. Fossils: The xylophone takes center stage, creating the clattering sound of dancing skeletons while quoting tunes like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and the composer's own Danse Macabre.
13. The Swan: The most famous section; a lyrical solo cello glides above flowing, rippling piano chords to depict a swan gliding on water.
14. Finale: The entire ensemble comes together to play a fast, energetic wrap-up, bringing back brief, spirited appearances from the lions, hens, kangaroos, and donkeys before ending abruptly. 

This concert is at the Alma Thomas Theater, 1001 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626.