March 9, 2006

CLASSICAL PREVIEWS
By Jeff Rapsis jrapsis@hippopress.com

NH Philharmonic stages family concerts March 12, 19
Performances in Concord, Keene designed with young people in mind
Preview: Perfect family outings, this pair of Sunday afternoon concerts is a great chance for families with kids (especially those aged 5 to 9) to experience live music together in an audience-friendly concert. The pieces are fun and listenable (including a charming and little-known piece about an elephant), and the program is designed to encourage kids to open themselves to the world of live music. Among the highlights is the popular "instrument petting zoo," which gives kids a chance to come on stage and see, hear (and sometimes try to play) the instruments close-up. As a bonus, NHPR talk show host Laura Knoy will host and narrate each concert.

When: Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord (225-1111). Repeat performance Sunday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at the Colonial Theater, downtown Keene (352-2033). Admission $8 for students, $13 for adults.

Why attend: In New Hampshire, there are precious few local opportunities for families to experience music together; in the past few years, one of the best and most consistent efforts has been that of the New Hampshire Philharmonic. Under the leadership of conductor Anthony Princiotti and executive director Paul Hoffman, the orchestra has reached out to new audiences in many ways, including these concerts for families.

Newly expanded to two concerts this year (up from one in previous seasons), the Philharmonic's family concerts are among the brightest events on the concert calendar?full of good music, surprises, and genuine fun for all. It's always a treat to hear the bracing music of Francis Poulenc, one of the best and most underrated composers of the 20th century. His pieces are always full of bright colors, striking melodies, and a great sense of rhythm.

And having NHPR's Laura Knoy on hand this year is a real coup?she's one of the few media personalities in the state to show any real interest in classical music. It's a concert worth checking out, even if you don't have kids.

Download the full press release here

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