“1001 Arabian Nights” Transports Listeners through Kaleidoscope of Colorful Sounds

Sept. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- The scene shifts to the ancient and exotic Middle East in the University of Chicago’s Mandel Hall!  On Saturday, October 29 at 7 PM and 9 PM, the University Symphony Orchestra will present “Arabian Nights” – an hypnotic evening of storytelling, special effects, and genie-conjuring music.  Again this year the Hyde Park School of Dance collaborates with the orchestra in these back-to-back concerts, perfect for families.

“Arabian Nights” will be performed by the extravagantly costumed University Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Barbara Schubert.  The program includes a magic carpet ride to the sultans and caravans in Rimsky-Korsakov’s quixotic “Scheherazade,” featuring royalty, oriental dancing, and magical love spells.  Charles Tomlinson Griffes’ dream-like tone-poem, “The Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan”, evokes images of wandering camels, mysterious strangers, and majestic castles.  Excerpts from Nielsen’s flamboyant “Aladdin Suite” frames the program with daring chases and exotic dances from foreign lands.

A distinctive grand entrance by Maestra Schubert into the decorated theater will further enhance the concert-going experience, creating an atmosphere sure to spark excitement and imagination in listeners of all ages.  Children and their families are encouraged to wear their costumes to the performance.  Donations are requested at the door: $4 students/$8 adults.  For more information, call the Event Hotline at (773) 702-8069.

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The University of Chicago Department of Music involves over 650 musicians in 100+ concerts each season. Student ensembles and programs include the University Symphony Orchestra, University Wind Ensemble, University Chamber Orchestra, University Chorus, Motet Choir, Rockefeller Chapel Choir, Jazz X-tet, New Music Ensemble, Early Music Ensemble, Middle East Music Ensemble, Central Javanese Gamelan, Chamber Music Program, and Piano Program. The weekly Noontime Concert Series, featuring a range of professional and student performers, further contributes to the rich musical scene on campus and in the community. A series of master classes, lectures, and Colloquia supplement the wide variety of concerts that take place on campus each year.


QUICK FACTS                                 

What:   University Symphony Orchestra with Hyde Park School of Dance
2011 Annual Halloween Concerts
Barbara Schubert, Music Director and Conductor
August Tye, Artistic Director, Hyde Park School of Dance
Allyson Ratliff, Associate Artistic Director, Hyde Park School of Dance

Program:   Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Op. 35
Griffes: The Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan
Nielsen: Aladdin Suite, FS. 89

When:     Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM

Where:     Mandel Hall
      1131 E. 57th Street, on the University of Chicago campus

Admission:  Free; Donations requested at the door: $8 / $4 students

Event Hotline: 773.702.8069  •  music.uchicago.edu

Persons who require assistance should call in advance: 773.702.8484.