Nashville Ballet and the Nashville Symphony are joining forces to present the family-friendly ballet Peter and the Wolf with live music on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. in TPAC’s Polk Theater.
Beloved by parents and children alike for decades, Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev’s timeless tale follows brave young Peter after he mistakenly leaves his grandfather’s gate open, unleashing a memorable adventure for him and a cast of animal characters. For the first time in years, the Nashville Symphony presents live music for this production to create a more enriching arts experience for younger audiences.
“Each character in Peter and the Wolf is represented by a different symphony instrument, so it’s a great way to introduce younger audiences to classical music and ballet, and the relationship between the two,” Nashville Ballet CEO & Artistic Director Paul Vasterling said. “The addition of live music by the Nashville Symphony this year will make the connection even stronger.”
The ballet comes to life with original choreography from Vasterling, music by the Nashville Symphony and pop-up book style sets created by Nashville artist Norris Hall. Immediately following the performance, guests can participate in a short educational and interactive session led by Nashville Ballet dancers and staff. This production is a vibrant example of collaboration among the local arts community, as musicians, dancers and a visual artist come together to bring Prokofiev’s piece to life in a whole new way.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with our longstanding partners at Nashville Ballet for this production, featuring one of the greatest works in the symphonic literature,” Nashville Symphony Assistant Conductor Vinay Parameswaran said. “Performing for young listeners is at the very heart of the orchestra’s mission, and these shows promise to be an experience that kids and their families will never forget.”
Peter and the Wolf is presented by SunTrust and Nashville Parent. Tickets are $23 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or online. Visit www.nashvilleballet.com or www.nashvillesymphony.org for tickets and more information.
About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company NB2 (a pre-professional training company) serve nearly 60,000 adults and children annually through performances and our outreach and community engagement programming. Curriculum-based outreach programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. The School of Nashville Ballet provides world-class instruction in ballet and other forms of dance for dancers of all ages.
Nashville Ballet is funded in part by Ingram Charitable Trust, Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission, Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Caterpillar Financial, The Memorial Foundation, Publix Super Market Charities, The HCA Foundation, The Mall at Green Hills, Gateway Tire and Service Centers and thousands of individuals who contribute to our annual operating fund.
About Nashville Symphony
The GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony has earned an international reputation for its innovative programming and its commitment to performing, recording and commissioning works by America’s leading composers. The Nashville Symphony has released 22 recordings on Naxos, which have received 14 GRAMMY® nominations and seven GRAMMY® Awards, making NSO one of the most active recording orchestras in the country. With more than 140 performances annually, the orchestra offers a broad range of classical, pops and jazz, and children’s concerts, while its extensive education and community engagement programs reached more than 100,000 children and adults this year.
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