Peter and the Wolf

Peter and the Wolf
Colorado Symphony
Boettcher Concert Hall
Denver, CO
February 12, 2017

The Colorado Symphony offers many opportunities to introduce children to classical music. Their presentation of Peter and the Wolf was less gimmicky than their other family concerts this season, but it was no less interesting to young audiences
.
From the moment conductor Christopher Dragon walked on stage, he was the center of attention. His hair was standing up on end, making him look like a mad scientist. But it was his antics on stage that stole the show.

His energetic direction of the symphony became an extension of the music. His wild facial expressions matched the tone of each piece and his body movements evoked the action the story told. During the less familiar pieces his conduction kept the attention of the children in the audience. After the William Tell Overture, he rested as if he had just taken part in the horse chase.

For Peter and the Wolf, a narrator was brought on to tell the story. The timing between the narrator and the symphony was perfect. The combination easily led the audience through the musical themes that young children might miss.

While this concert was heavier on the classical side, it was still a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the symphony. Christopher Dragon’s charisma made the music fun for all.