Introducing Kids To The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
By Heather Wampler
I grew up playing the clarinet and listening to classical music. At first I could not stand it. I thought it was the worst music ever and I hated playing the clarinet. However, after a few years it really grew on me. I love listening to the passion in the music and learning about the lives of the composers. Now, I am teaching my own children about the joys of music, instruments and cannot wait to take them to listen to the orchestra for the first time.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Heinz Hall
600 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 392- 4900
Website: www.pittsburghsymphony.org
You may be thinking to yourself that I am insane for wanting to take two kids to an hour or two long concert given by an orchestra, but I believe that children should be able to experience the joy of fine music as much as the rest of us. Luckily at the end of March and April The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has a few concerts that just might appeal to the younger kids.
Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 at 8:00 p.m. and a final showing at Sunday, April 1 at 2:30 p.m. you can go to hear A Cinderella Suite. This is bound to be a sensory overload. First, American premier composer Steven Stucky's Son et Lumière entertains with its play of colors and shimmering textures. Then, highly praised pianist Stephen Hough dazzles in the exotic sounds of Camille Saint-Saëns' "Egyptian" Concerto. Finally, Principal Guest Conductor Leonard Slatkin presents his own signature orchestral suite from Sergei Prokofiev's lush and romantic ballet Cinderella. Tickets start at $20.
Beauty & The Beast
Show Times: Tuesday, April 3rd 2012, Wednesday, April 4th 2012 & Thursday, April 5th 2012 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 8th 2012 at 1:00 p.m.; Friday, April 6th 2012 & Saturday, April 7th 2012 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 7th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $68 - $129 Prices vary
Another Disney classic that will be offered for your hearing pleasure is Beauty and the Beast. It is one of the most amazing and wonderful love stories ever told. The smash hit Broadway musical is coming to Pittsburgh. It is based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Heinz Hall.
Romeo & Juliet
Show Times: Friday, April 20th 2012 & Saturday, April 21st, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, April 22nd, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $20.
Romeo and Juliet is one of the most well-known love stories. Shakespeare penned a remarkable play and Berlioz's turned it into one of his more expressive and finest works. After experiencing the remarkable play as music, fall in love as Nicholas Angelich makes his Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra debut with Johannes Brahms' luxurious and emotional Piano Concerto No. 2. This up-and-coming piano star is praised by The Times for his "subtle inflections of touch and dynamics; that impulsive, improvisatory feel…" It's a moving concert that is sure to have you jumping to your feat in applause by the end. It is something that will be moving for not only the old but also the young.
Heather Wampler resides in Pittsburgh, Pa with her husband and twin boys. She slaves away over a laptop writing and blogging every day. To read more from her visit www.thepittsburghhousewife.wordpress.com.
