The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Presents: Peter VS. the Wolf

    KALAMAZOO, MI, January 24, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For the second concert of the 2014-2015 Family Discovery Series, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra presents Peter VS. the Wolf. In Justin Locke's hilarious spin on the original Russian tale, the Wolf stands trial for "Duckicide in the first degree, with one gulp." With Prokofiev's original music presented in court as evidence, the Wolf cross-examines individual members of the orchestra on the stand and presents his case to the audience, which also acts as the jury. This lively new introduction to the instruments of the orchestra is like no other version of "Peter and the Wolf" you've ever seen. Smiles guaranteed!

"Since childhood, I've always loved Prokofiev's music to Peter and the Wolf," said KSO Assistant Conductor, Daniel Brier. "I am looking forward to bringing this music to life with an updated retelling of this timeless story. It is a joy to collaborate with Ben Zylman as we bring this fully staged production to life. The production is absolutely hilarious and I know the kids and parents will have a blast."

The inspiration for Locke's "sequel" - Peter and the Wolf - was composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936. The piece was a commission by the Central Children's Theater in Moscow for the purpose of exposing children to music from a young age. So, in Prokofiev (and Locke's) work, each character's role is associated with a particular musical theme to help children become associated with the various sounds and instruments of the orchestra. The main character, Peter, is played by the strings, the wolf is played by the horns, the duck by an oboe, the bird by the flute, and so forth.

Peter and the Wolf tells the tale of Peter hunting down the Wolf after watching it swallow his friend, the Duck. Peter and his friend, the Bird, ultimately capture the Wolf and, in grand fashion, the Wolf is hauled off to the zoo with Peter and his friends parading behind - all the while, the Duck is alive and quacking inside the Wolf's stomach. The KSO's performance of Locke's Peter VS. the Wolf offers an amusing new ending to the tale, with the Wolf finally having a chance to speak his peace about the incident. Though composed for a young audience, Peter VS. the Wolf is a guaranteed good time for the entire family - including Mom and Dad!

To further the learning experience, audiences are invited to participate in the KSO Kids activities that precede the show. Visit the Instrument Petting Zoo at 2pm, and then enjoy Meet the Conductor from 2:30-2:45pm to chat with Assistant Conductor Daniel Brier.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Daniel Brier, conductor
Daniel Brier is an emerging conductor who has worked with orchestras and choirs in the United States and abroad. He has conducted the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic, Royal Oak Symphony, Detroit Medical Orchestra, Great Lakes Music Festival, Orion Chamber Music Society, University of Michigan Symphony and Philharmonia Orchestras, University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor Cantata Singers, Spectrum Orchestra, and the Orpheus Singers. He is currently in his third season as Music Director of the Spectrum Orchestra. An advocate for new music, Mr. Brier regularly collaborates with living composers and displays a commitment to promoting and performing their music. Recent premieres include Shin's Power and Light, Lavender's Battery, Boggs' Wanderlust: Beginnings and May's Essay for Chamber Orchestra. At home on the stage and in the pit, Mr. Brier recently conducted Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro in a semi-staged concert production.

Previous conducting positions include assistant and cover conductor for the Lexington Philharmonic, assistant conductor of the University of Michigan Orchestras, assistant conductor of the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theater, and conductor of the Orpheus Singers. In 2010, Mr. Brier was selected as a Prizewinner for his "exceptional conducting" during the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic's international conducting masterclass and competition. He studied with John Nelson during his engagement with the Orchestre de chambre de Paris and Munchener Bach-Chor. Additionally he has conducted in masterclasses with Giancarlo Guerrero, Hugh Wolff, Jorma Panula, Alexander Polishchuk, Victor Yampolsky, Carl Topilow, and Ragnar Bohlin.

Mr. Brier recently completed his graduate studies as a fellow at the University of Michigan's conducting program where he studied orchestral conducting with Kenneth Kielser. He is also a recipient of the Julian and Vera McIntosh scholarship for promising young musicians and conductors. Previously, Mr. Brier earned a M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Michigan under the mentorship of Dr. Jerry Blackstone. During his choral degree, Mr. Brier was a graduate student instructor and recipient of the Dr. Charlene Archibeque and Dorothy Greenwald scholarships.

Justin Locke, author
Justin Locke played the bass in the Boston Pops for eighteen years before becoming an author, playwright, management coach, and speaker. He has published three books, starting with his amusing Pops memoir, "Real Men Don't Rehearse," followed by two unusual self-improvement books: "Principles of Applied Stupidity" and "Getting in Touch with Your Inner Rich Kid."

He has sold thousands of copies of his books, has been featured in the Boston Globe, CBS Radio, and as an "Author@Google." His musical plays for family orchestral concerts are done all over the world; his "Peter VS the Wolf" was recently done in the Berlin Konzerthaus.

Justin writes, coaches, and speaks on issues of organizational behavior, management, leadership, and, personal development, all from a decidedly artistic perspective. He also writes and speaks about the practical applications of "arts education."

CALENDAR LISTING
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra presents
KSO Family Discovery Series
Peter VS. the Wolf

Daniel Brier, Conductor
Justin Locke, Author
Ben Zylman, Stage Director

In Justin Locke's hilarious spin on the original Russian tale, the Wolf stands trial for "Duckicide in the first degree, with one gulp." With Prokofiev's original music presented in court as evidence, the Wolf cross-examines individual members of the orchestra on the stand and presents his case to the audience, which also acts as the jury. This lively new introduction to the instruments of the orchestra is like no other version of "Peter and the Wolf" you've ever seen. Smiles guaranteed!

Sunday, February 8, 2015
Chenery Auditorium
Tickets: $6 - $12

For tickets, visit www.kalamazoosymphony.com.

Visit www.kalamazoosymphony.com for up-to-date information, details and schedules. Prices, artists, dates, time and program are subject to change without notice.

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra receives major support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra also receives generous support from other local, state and national foundations, as well as private and corporate support. For more information, visit www.kalamazoosymphony.com.

About the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1921, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is Southwest Michigan's premier musical organization, providing musical enrichment to over 80,000 adults and youth per year. The third-largest professional orchestra in the state, the KSO has won numerous awards and grants, including the Met Life Award for Arts Access in Underserved Communities, the National Endowment for the Arts for its extensive education programs, and a major Ford Foundation grant to found its innovative Artist-in-Residence program.

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