The nine-concert series will feature such distinguished guests as jazz icon Wynton Marsalis, Arctic explorer Ann Bancroft and Leonard Bernstein's daughter Jamie Bernstein. The series will begin in November 2008 and conclude in April 2009, offering weekend afternoon presentations at Orchestra Hall in a family-friendly one-hour format.
For the second consecutive year, Target Free Family Concert tickets will be offered through a random drawing that is convenient and accessibile for all families.
"The community's response to the first two seasons of Target Free Family Concerts has been fantastic," says Minnesota Orchestra President and CEO Michael Henson. "By removing all potential price barriers to these concerts, Target has offered a remarkable opportunity for our Orchestra to reach out to new audiences. We are delighted to be able to launch the third season of this free series."
"Target is proud to join with the Minnesota Orchestra to bring free concerts to the Twin Cities community and make the arts affordable and accessible to all," says Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. "Target Free Family Concerts are a wonderful opportunity for families to experience the music of a world-class orchestra together."
The programs
Target Free Family Concerts with the Minnesota Orchestra offer highly varied programs designed to introduce young listeners to the wonders of symphonic music in a fun and meaningful way. The music is frequently presented with a great deal of visual interest and conversation from the stage.
The series launches on Saturday, November 8, with concerts featuring Steve Heitzeg's setting of Helen Ward's book The Tin Forest—the whimsical story of a beautiful forest springing from an ugly junkyard. "Swinging Nutcracker" concerts on Saturday, December 6, compare Tchaikovsky's original Nutcracker with Duke Ellington's jazz interpretation. On Saturday, January 31, Jamie Bernstein returns to Orchestra Hall for a celebration of her father's music as part of the Orchestra's Bernstein Festival. Saturday, March 7 (one performance at 2 p.m. only), brings a special "Jazz for Young People" concert, with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (without the Minnesota Orchestra) answering the question: what is jazz? The series concludes on Sunday, April 19 with an exploration of sports in music, featuring a performance of Frank Proto's Casey at the Bat.
Each Target Free Family Concert will be accompanied by free pre-concert activities to engage young listeners, coordinated by WAMSO—Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association. In the lobby, children can visit Sound Factory stations at which trained volunteers will help them play and learn about orchestral instruments. -- www.minnesotaorchestra.org
