St. Olaf Orchestra presents family concert on November 17
Professor Dumbledore (aka Steven Amundson) conducts the St. Olaf Orchestra at the 2018 Family Concert in Boe Memorial Chapel.
The St. Olaf Orchestra, conducted by Steven Amundson, will present a Family Concert for the young and the young-at-heart on Sunday, November 17, at 3:30 p.m. in St. Olaf College’s Skoglund Auditorium (please note that this is an updated venue location).
Admission is free for all, and families and children of all ages are encouraged to attend this joyful concert.
Nationally known storyteller and playwright Kevin Kling will join the orchestra as narrator of his newest story, The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Kling is best known for his popular commentaries on NPR’s All Things Considered, and for sharing his stories around the country, including at the prestigious National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
“It is a rare treat when Kevin Kling appears on the St. Olaf campus to narrate his newest story,” says Amundson. “This incredibly inventive piece composed by Twin Cities musician Victor Zupanc combines Kling’s text with music that will entertain families through a vast array of styles, including jazz, rock, tango, roaring 20’s dance music, and more.”
Renowned storyteller Kevin Kling
St. Olaf Orchestra Steven AmundsonIt is a rare treat when Kevin Kling appears on the St. Olaf campus to narrate his newest story. This incredibly inventive piece composed by Twin Cities musician Victor Zupanc combines Kling’s text with music that will entertain families through a vast array of styles, including jazz, rock, tango, roaring 20’s dance music, and more.
The concert will also feature a guest appearance and music by local Northfield duo Louis and Dan & the Invisible Band. Selections include two of their biggest hits, “Underwear Spaghetti” and “I Love to Sing,” with a new orchestration written by St. Olaf music student David Kriete ’21.
St. Olaf Assistant Professor of Music Louis Epstein and Carleton College Associate Professor of Philosophy Daniel Groll are neighbors and best friends whose irreverent, catchy music will get the whole family singing along. Watch the video below to see them in action.
In addition to these guest collaborations, families can look forward to hearing popular pieces including Rossini’s William Tell Overture, music from the hit Disney film Frozen, and the classic Star Wars main title theme, conducted by a special guest from a galaxy far, far away.
Members of the St. Olaf Orchestra will stir the imagination of kids in attendance with more than just their music. At 3 p.m. — 30 minutes before the concert — members of the orchestra will host an “Instrument Petting Zoo” in front of the stage. Kids can get a close-up view of the instruments of the orchestra, learn fun facts about them, and hear their unique sounds.
During the concert, young audience members (ages 6-12) will have a chance to show their conducting moves and one lucky student will be selected to take the podium to conduct a short piece with the orchestra.
