Musical postcards for kids

Conductor Mark Steighner says that the concept of the concert is “World travel — the program highlights music that is associated with different places or musically describes them.” Examples include Mendelssohn’s famous Hebrides tone poem, a musical representation of Scotland’s Fingal’s Cave. Steighner adds, “In the program, we take audiences to the La Scala Opera House, to old Vienna, over the Rocky Mountains and for a walk through New York’s Central Park.”

While in New York, many visitors take in a Broadway show. Steighner said the Sinfonietta has that tradition covered. “We’re playing a medley from the hit show – and popular movie — “Wicked,” with a new, special arrangement of the song “For Good” sung by Emily Vawter and Ashly Will. 

“We do a lot of big pieces during the season,” Steighner said, “but like postcards, the selections on this hour-long program are bite-sized. They’re perfect for new audiences deterred by more demanding classical music.”

Even more family-friendly is the Sinfonietta’s second concert, “Orchestra Open House: A FREE Concert for Kids and Families,” at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22 in The Dalles Civic Auditorium.

“This concert is aimed at both young people and families who have maybe never been to a live orchestra concert,” Steighner said. “Hopefully, everyone will walk away excited about the music.”

On the program are some of the same selections as the Friday concert, including the medley from Wicked. “We’d love for the kids – or adults! – to come in Wicked-themed costumes, or fairytale fantasy attire. We have a selection on the program called Adventure!.  It’s all about a young princess and a very eventful afternoon.”

Tickets at gorgeorchestra.org.