In the annals of children’s music, a special place is reserved for the magical work Peter and the Wolf by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. Created in 1936 , this timeless classic tells the story of a young boy who ignores his grandfather’s warning about a dangerous wolf lurking outside. When the stubborn Peter comes face-to-face with the wolf, however, he sets in motion a hair-raising adventure.
Children and adults alike can enjoy this musical masterpiece this Saturday, February 8, when the NAC Orchestra joins with the Magic Circle Mime Company to perform this brilliant work. There will be two performances (1:30 pm and 3:30 pm) as well as numerous pre-show activities in the NAC lobby (see below for list). Tickets start at $22.
In anticipation of this fun event, which is part of Winterlude, Apartment613 spoke via email with Kelly Abercrombie of the NAC Music Education Department. Below is a transcript of our online interview edited for length and style.
Apartment613: What is the mandate of the NAC Music Education Department, and how does the performance of Peter and the Wolf play into this mandate?
Kelly Abercrombie: The art of learning, focusing on youth and education, is one of the NAC’s five strategic goals. The NAC believes that introducing children to the music of the past and present at a young age is essential to developing a life-long passion.
Through Music Education programs such as TD Family Adventures with the NAC Orchestra concerts, student matinee performances, the Music Alive Program, and ArtsAlive.ca, the NAC has enlightened and entertained young people from Kindergarten to Grade 12 about the many aspects of music, igniting a spark and a love of the art form that will last a lifetime.
For over 40 years, children in the National Capital Region have been introduced to the enchanting world of classical music through the TD Family Adventures with the NAC Orchestra series. Maestro Alain Trudel, along with other guest conductors, conducts and animates these fun and informative Saturday afternoon concerts. Richard Lee, Canadian conductor and SMI/Conductors Program Alumnus (in 2002), conducts the performances of Peter and the Wolf.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctsWdUaHsHM[/youtube]
Apt613: Will a person be reading on stage, or will the narrative come from loud speakers, with the actors playing the roles?
KA: The NAC Orchestra musicians are the characters in the story that brings Prokofiev’s classic tale of Peter and the Wolf to life and keeps kids on the edge of their seats. One of the most engaging, family-friendly theatre troupes in the world, Magic Circle Mime Company’s imaginative performances combine symphonic music and appealing stories to entertain audiences young and old.
Sara Mountjoy-Pepka and Douglas MacIntyre of Magic Circle Mime Company will portray Peter (the hero) and the evil wolf. In this fun new take on the classical story, the entire story will be performed without any narrative. Only the power of music and mime will be used to convey the story.
Apt613: What activities can families partake with TUNETOWN kids’ prior to the show?
KA: Forty-five minutes prior to the TD Family Adventures concerts, families are invited to journey through the NAC main lobby, mezzanine and amphitheatre levels and participate in the TUNETOWN pre-concert activities! Organized by the Friends of the NAC Orchestra, each station is unique and relating to the theme of the concert. On February 8th 2014, the pre-concert activities will include:
- Woodwind instrumental petting zoo featuring the members of the Regimental Band of the Governor General’s Foot Guards;
- Forest of reading book display by the Ottawa Public Library;
- Peter and the Wolf” matching game with pencil/pen prize;
- Instrumental activities by Music for Young Children;
- Craft: Peter and the Wolf Medallion (character on one side and the Instrument voice on the back);
- Interactive storytelling of Russian folktales by Janis Perkin;
- Information station by Suzart Productions (visual artists);
- Information table by the Kiwanis Music Festival, National Capital Region;
- Information able by the Ottawa Children’s Choir.
KA: A unique feature of the family concerts is that everyone will get a closer view of the Orchestra musicians and guest artists on the Rogers TV NACOtron screen (installed above the Orchestra). Additionally, limited seats remain for both performances of Peter and the Wolf, so families are encouraged to get their tickets while they can!
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