VERGENNES — Bixby Memorial Library in Vergennes welcomes woodwind quintet Windsong back to the library for a late winter concert for the entire family. Made up of five talented Vermont musicians, Windsong will perform on Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m. under Bixby’s beautiful leaded glass dome, a venue known for its excellent acoustics. The concert is part of the Freda Fishman Stroh Cultural Event Series and is free and open to the public.
This year, in addition to their programming for adults, the quintet willfeature the beloved children’s classic “Peter and the Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev. The arrangement for woodwind quintet will be narrated by Walter Parker, senior music host and producer of WVPR, Vermont Public Radio.
In 1936, Prokofiev was commissioned by the Central Children’s Theatre in Moscow to write a new musical symphony for children. The intent was to cultivate “musical tastes in children from the first years of school.” Intrigued by the invitation, Prokofiev completed “Peter and the Wolf” in just four days. It has been a favorite with audiences all over the world and is a wonderful way for children to experience how music can make sounds that create characters and illustrate their activities.
There will be a brief pause after the performance of “Peter and the Wolf” so that parents and their young children can leave if they feel they need to do so.
Two brief contrasting pieces, one by Englishman Sir Edward Elgar and the other by French composer Adrien Barthe, will be featured in the second part of the program, along with Woodwind Quintet in B-flat Major by German composer Franz Danzi who was a contemporary and friend of Beethoven. The program will be completed by a performance of “Brevities by the Bay for Wind Quintet,” composed by longtime Vermont resident Gwyneth Walker and inspired by her trip to the seaside.
Windsong musicians are Lois Price, flute; Kari Anderson, oboe; Wesley Christensen, clarinet; Julie Wolfe, bassoon; and Vergennes Union High School music teacher Susan O’Daniel, French horn.
Refreshments will be served after the concert. No reservations are needed but seats are limited so prompt attendance is encouraged and everyone is welcome. For more information contact Jane Spencer at the library 877-2211.
In correlation with the Windsong concert, an introductory adjunct program for children grades K-6 will take place on Thursday, March 3, at 6 p.m. in Bixby’s Otter Creek Room.Children will be introduced to the story line and musical instruments featured in “Peter and the Wolf.” The program will run 45 minutes, and registration is required.
For more information or to register, call 877-2211 or email youth services librarian [email protected].