Bring the Kids to the Symphony This Saturday

The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, directed by Woomyung Choe, invites the public to a “Bring the Kids” Family Concert, an afternoon of musical treats for the entire family, on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 3 pm in Aquinas Hall, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh. Bring the kids at 2 pm for a special pre-concert introduction by Gordon Shacklett to the music on the program.

In this year’s production, Erich Tusch will lend his magnificent voice to commentary and the narration of newly-authored verses to accompany Bizet’s delightful Jeux d’Enfants (Children’s Games) by multi-talented vocalist-author Holly Weiss. Violinist Jina Choi and violist Nancy Wegrzyn, both consummate musicians, are the soloists in Mozart’s lyrical and charming Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra. And that’s not all. There is the Overture to Die Fledermaus, the crown jewel of Viennese operetta, by Strauss and the drama-filled catchy Khachaturian Masquerade Suite.

The program begins with Jeux d’Enfants (Children’s Games), Opus 22 by Georges Bizet (1838-1875). Five of the original 12 vignettes composed for four-hand piano were later orchestrated into this small but genuine masterpiece, an homage to childhood. Witty and urbane in the best French tradition, the music transports the listener into a world at play.

In much the same way the Ogden Nash verses were used for Carnival of the Animals, Holly Weiss has written verses for Children’s Games that will be recited by musician and educator Erich Tusch before each of the five movements.

After the show, meet Holly Weiss who, in addition to being a private vocal instructor and retired professional singer, is the author of Crestmont, a historical debut novel set in the 1920s.

Ticket prices are $25 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors, $10 for students, and children under seven are admitted free of charge. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved. (845) 913-7157 or www.newburghsymphony.org.

For a longer description of the music and the musicians in this Saturday’s performance, visit www.newburghsymphony.org.