Dynamic concerto meets animated film! Follow a magical Sprite as it embarks on a musical journey through the inner workings of an orchestra—all set to live music from members of the NSO. Additional works by Francesco Maria Veracini, Paul Dukas, Jessie Montgomery, Keeghan Fountain, and John Williams will highlight the features of each section of the orchestra. Conducted by Michelle Merrill and joined by co-host Marissa Regni.
Michelle Merrill, Conductor and Host (Fall)
Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Conductor and Host (Spring)
Marissa Regni, Violinist and Host
Program
“Allegro” by Francesco Maria Veracini, solo violin
“Toybox Escape” by Keeghan Fountain, Percussion Section
La Péri – Fanfare by Paul Dukas, Brass Section
“Nimbus 2000” by John Williams, Woodwinds Section
“Starburst” by Jessie Montgomery, Strings Section
Philharmonia Fantastique by Mason Bates
Featured Performance
Music by Mason Bates
Directed by Gary Rydstrom
Written by Mason Bates and Gary Rydstrom
Animation direction by Jim Capobianco
What makes a symphony orchestra sound fantastic (or in French, fantastique)? Learn the secrets during this performance of live orchestra music along with an animated and live action film. You’ll join a playful and curious creature named Sprite and together sail together along rippling sound waves and right inside the inner workings of the instruments. But what happens when the instrument families won’t play in harmony?
Violinist and Host
Marissa Regni
Violinist Marissa Regni has been a co-creator and host of the NSO Young People’s Concerts for many years. In the concert, you’ll hear her play a solo (alone) and then as part of a large ensemble with the strings section, and eventually the entire orchestra. She has led the 2nd violin section of the NSO for over 20 years.
Conductor and Host
Michelle Merrill
The conductor leads the orchestra, guiding the musicians on when and how fast and loud to play. Michelle loves conducting, even more so when she is sharing new music with young people. Audience members will learn from her about the composers and their music throughout the performance. Michelle has conducted orchestras all over the world; she serves as the Music Director of the Coastal Symphony of Georgia and, most recently, was appointed Music Director of the Winston Salem Symphony.
All the music you’ll hear performed is by the nearly 100 musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra. ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÃâ·Ñ°æapp is the main home for the orchestra, but the NSO also performs on other local stages as well as on TV and on the radio. In this concert, you’ll learn that the orchestra is organized by families (sections) of instruments.
Support for NSO Music for Young Audiences is provided by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation and The Volgenau Foundation.
Additional support is provided by Dr. Gary D. Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather, the Kiplinger Family Foundation, US Department of Education, and Ednah Root Foundation.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the national champion for arts learning and creativity. Committed to increasing opportunities for all people to participate in, learn about, and understand the arts, the Center offers programs and events that strive to reflect the nation and its communities, and that are accessible and inclusive for all. From the Center’s stages to classrooms and communities across the country, to online resources accessible nearly anywhere, the Center serves the burgeoning artist, the curious explorer, the student (of any age), the teacher and teaching artist—any person interested in arts learning and utilizing the arts for positive change.
As an essential component of the living memorial to President Kennedy, the Center’s Education programs utilize the arts to embrace the ideals of service, justice, freedom, courage, and gratitude, and cultivate the Citizen Artists in all the people we serve. For more information, please visit /education/.
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