Children will experience an exciting concert designed just for them when the Grand Rapids Symphony presents “The Listener” featuring the Magic Circle Mime Company on Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m. at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center.
The concert is part of the Symphony’s DTE Energy Foundation Family Series. Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the orchestra in this one-hour concert of popular orchestral music. What happens when two members of the audience—a tap dancing ballerina and a bugle playing mime—interrupt the performance? These unexpected participants change the whole course of the concert, helping the audience learn about the music, the orchestra, and the important art of listening.
Featured music for “The Listener” includes Britten’s “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra,” Mozart’s “Symphony No. 39,” Bernstein’s Overture from “Candide,” selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker,” and Bizet’s “Carmen.”
The Magic Circle Mime Company is regarded as one of today’s premier family attractions and has performed with virtually every major orchestra in North America including the Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, Seattle, and National Symphony Orchestras. The Magic Circle Mime Company also has a growing reputation outside of North America, performing throughout Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, and Europe. A creative partnership between Maggie Petersen and Douglas MacIntyre, the Magic Circle Mime Company is dedicated to combining theater and instrumental music in family-friendly programs.
“The Listener” is ideal for children ages 8-13, but the entire family is sure to enjoy the lighthearted performance. Free pre-concert activities for children start at 2 p.m. and include an instrument petting zoo. Tickets are $15 for adults, $9 for children and are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder Plaza), or by calling 616-454-9451, Ext. 4 (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.)
Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster, 800-982-2787, online at www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Market and Family Fare stores and Walmart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the concert.
To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Source: Grand Rapids Symphony
