It’s story time at the Marin Center in San Rafael when the Marin Symphony plays its upcoming Family Concert the afternoon of May 8. “Once Upon a Symphony,” conducted by George Thomson, explores musical works that are based on old and new childhood tales, from Mother Goose to Harry Potter.
One of the featured pieces is Ravel’s Ma Mere l’Oye, based on the collection of stories known as the French Mother Goose. Unlike the English version, with its collection of rhymes, the French version includes some of the most familiar fairy tales. Ravel’s work is based on five of these tales, including Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, and Beauty and the Beast. Ravel originally wrote this as a piano duet for Mimie and Jean Godebski, the children of his good friends Cipa and Ida Godebski, and then later expanded it into an orchestral suite, as well as a ballet score.
Also on the program is Paul Dukas’ interpretation of the Goethe ballad The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. The music came first, but there’s no doubt that many people will associate it with its most famous interpreter, Mickey Mouse. To bring the program into the 21st century, the Symphony will also perform a suite from John Williams’ score to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Williams is one of the best-known and most prolific composers for film. In addition to his magic-themed scores for Harry and company, he’s responsible for the now-classic musical threat from Jaws, as well as the music from Star Wars.
As with all the Family Concerts the Marin Symphony performs, this is a great way to introduce children to the richness and variety of classical music, though there's no question that older children and adults will enjoy the music as well. The concerts run only an hour long, just the right length to keep restlessness at bay. This program will be hosted by KDFC radio host Hoyt Smith, who is always a treat to listen to. His narration keeps the program going as he explains and explores what the composers are doing. It’s a great way to understand more about the music you’re hearing, whether you’re familiar with it or not.
To top it off, there’s the Instrument Petting Zoo. After the concert, children can get an up-close-and-personal look and feel of the various instruments in the orchestra, whether it’s by plucking the strings of a violin or trying out that first blow into a trombone. It’s hands-on learning at its best.