Peter
and the Wolf Meets Sesame Street
 On Saturday, March 29,
the Smith College Orchestra invites families and audiences
young and old to a special concert featuring Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and
songs from Sesame Street. Hosted by Sesame Street’s
Bob McGrath and starring local children’s choruses
and the Amherst Ballet, this family-friendly concert will
begin at 3 p.m. in John M. Greene Hall. It is open to the
public.
In addition to hosting
the concert, Bob McGrath will narrate the Smith College
Orchestra’s performance of Sergei
Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Written in
1936 by Prokofiev for his son, the piece presents the fable
through words and music. The orchestra portrays the cast
of animal and human characters by assigning specific instruments
and lively musical themes to each role. Jonathan Hirsh will
conduct the Smith College Orchestra in this beloved children’s
classic.
Accompanying the orchestra will be an original ballet of Peter
and the Wolf performed by Amherst Ballet. Featuring
12 young dancers ranging in age from 8 to 14, this original
version of a great classic is choreographed by Amherst
Ballet director Catherine Fair.
The concert will also
feature songs from the popular children’s
television show Sesame Street. The Smith College
Glee Club and director Jonathan Hirsh will welcome guests,
the South Hadley Children’s Chorus, directed by Cathy
Melhorn, and the Hampshire Young People’s Chorus, directed
by K.C. Conlan, in the performance of such favorites as “Rubber
Duckie,” “The Rainbow Connection,” “The
Sesame Street Theme,” and “It’s Not Easy
Being Green.”
The performance is open to the public. Tickets ($15-$20,
general public; $10, children under 12) are available through
the Northampton Box Office (413-586-8686; www.nbotickets.com).
About the Performers
 Host and narrator Bob McGrath just celebrated his 38th year
on Sesame Street. He has bridged two generations
of viewers as one of the original hosts. He was recently
inducted into the 2002 Silver Circle of the National Academy
of Television Arts and Sciences. He is the recipient of the
American Eagle Award by the National Music Council and the
Fame Award by the National Association of Music Educators
for furthering the cause of music education. In addition
to his role as music teacher on Sesame Street, Bob is a successful
author, recording artist and concert performer. McGrath has
performed thousands of family pops, educational, and holiday
concerts, which always include local children singing and
dancing.
Amherst Ballet celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2007 and
is well known throughout Western Massachusetts for its high-quality
dance education and performances. The school provides excellence
in training in a variety of dance idioms with an emphasis
on classical ballet. As a part of its mission, Amherst Ballet
collaborates frequently with artists, arts and education
organizations, and local schools.
The Hampshire Young People’s
Chorus offers children a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere
in which to learn healthy vocal technique, develop fundamental
music skills, and sing a wide range of music from different
styles and traditions. Under the auspices of the Hampshire
Choral Society, an institution promoting the love of choral
singing for
more than 50 years, the Young People’s Chorus includes
more than 70 singers ages 7 to 17 from all over the Pioneer
Valley. The Young People’s Chorus has performed widely,
including appearances with the Pioneer Valley Symphony, Amherst
Ballet and Commonwealth Opera.
The South Hadley Children’s
Chorus performs an exciting repertory drawn from many different
cultural traditions. The chorus provides strong vocal training
and nurtures each child’s inner artist. Through performance,
choir members not only develop poise and self-esteem, but
also experience the joy of creating and sharing something
beautiful through careful and persistent practice.
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