Oshman Family JCC Presents Hansel and Gretel Children’s Concert Narrated in Four Languages

PALO ALTO, Calif. - Sept. 11, 2013 - PRLog -- Performances will be held at the OFJCC’s Schultz Cultural Arts Hall on Sunday, September 29. This performance is appropriate for families with children two years and up.

San Francisco Ballet conductor Ming Luke conducts the musicians as guest narrators tell the tale in English, Russian, Mandarin and Hebrew. Pre and post-show children’s activities include an instrument petting zoo, dance demonstration and cookie decorating. The one hour performance begins at 10:30 AM in English; 11:30 AM in Russian; 1:30 PM in Mandarin and 2:30 PM in Hebrew.

This is the third concert of original children’s programming produced at the OFJCC. Arts and Culture Director Ronit Widmann-Levy, an accomplished opera singer, created this unique narrated series to provide a way for parents to introduce young children to classical music and their cultural heritage.  “We love bringing new audiences to our engaging performing arts programs, and we hope they’ll stay and enjoy more of what the OFJCC has to offer,” said Widmann-Levy.

Conductor Ming Luke, known for his energetic performances, has recently worked with ensembles in Moscow, London, Vienna, Salzburg, the Czech Republic and the U.S. Locally, he has conducted the San Francisco Ballet, Opera San Jose, Sacramento Opera, Napa Regional Dance Company, Sacramento Philharmonic and the Napa Valley Symphony. He has also conducted all of the OFJCC’s children’s concerts.

Hansel and Gretel is a well-known fairy tale of German origin, written by the Brothers Grimm and published in 1812. The OFJCC’s original retelling of about the two little children who are swept into a world of delicious wonder has been rewritten to include an unthreatening plot twist in the end.

To further engage families, families are encouraged to submit drawings, paintings and any other form of artwork depicting scenes from Hansel and Gretel to be considered for inclusion in the show's media presentation. Selected images will be screened during the performance to illustrate the story. Please submit artwork to bvladimirsky@paloaltojcc.org by September 20.

For additional information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.paloaltojcc.org/candy.

About the Oshman Family JCC

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs. The OFJCC is a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome and which fosters new personal and community connections through rich and rewarding experiences. The OFJCC provides a common ground for Jewish institutions, other local groups, organizations and individuals to work, learn and play together for the betterment of the whole community. The OFJCC’s registered trademark is Live Fully®. For more information, visit www.paloaltojcc.org (outbind://91/www.paloaltojcc.org) or call (650) 223-8700.

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Press is invited to cover this community-wide event. To receive pictures, or arrange interviews, contact Jessica Brooks at (650) 223-8663 or jbrooks@paloaltojcc.org.