Philharmonic Orchestra performs 'Peter and the Wolf' sequel

Many people know the story in Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," in which a brave Russian boy, despite his grandfather's warnings, saves two of his animal friends, a bird and a cat, from the same fate that befell his other friend, the duck. However, did you know there's a sequel to the story?

The wolf finds himself on trial in Justin Locke's dramatic tale of "Peter vs. the Wolf." In the midst of the courtroom setting, comedy and amusing dialogue ensue as the instrumentalists of the orchestra are also called as witnesses.

This production presents the Philharmonic Orchestra on stage performing the original music from Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," and includes the characters of Peter, a district attorney, a judge and, of course, the wolf.

Find out what happens in the Fox Valley Philharmonic's fourth annual children's concert as the orchestra joins forces with the Batavia High School Drama Club at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St.

The Philharmonic is foregoing its standard free-concert admission policy to support the Batavia High School Drama Club in this benefit concert. General admission at the door is $8; $4 for children 10 and younger.

During the concert's intermission, children may try their hand at playing various orchestral instruments in the Philharmonic's "Instrumental Petting Zoo." Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

After the intermission, children have an opportunity to line up and take turns being the "maestro" when "Kids Conduct the Philharmonic." This family-friendly concert closes with the composition "Tubby the Tuba," where the orchestral story of Tubby and his good friends, Peepo the Piccolo and Mr. Frog, musically unfolds.

This concert is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For more information, visit the Fox Valley Philharmonic website at www.fvacademy.org or call (630) 476-9072.