“1001 Arabian Nights” — Annual Halloween Concerts
The scene shifts to the ancient and exotic Middle East in the University of Chicago’s Mandel Hall! On Saturday, October 29 at 7 PM and 9 PM, the University Symphony Orchestra will present “Arabian Nights” – an hypnotic evening of storytelling, special effects, and genie-conjuring music. Again this year the Hyde Park School of Dance collaborates with the orchestra in these back-to-back concerts, perfect for families.
“Arabian Nights” will be performed by the extravagantly costumed University Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Barbara Schubert. The program includes a magic carpet ride to the sultans and caravans in Rimsky-Korsakov’s quixotic “Scheherazade,” featuring royalty, oriental dancing, and magical love spells. Charles Tomlinson Griffes’ dream-like tone-poem, “The Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan”, evokes images of wandering camels, mysterious strangers, and majestic castles. Excerpts from Nielsen’s flamboyant “Aladdin Suite” frames the program with daring chases and exotic dances from foreign lands.
A distinctive grand entrance by Maestra Schubert into the decorated theater will further enhance the concert-going experience, creating an atmosphere sure to spark excitement and imagination in listeners of all ages. Children and their families are encouraged to wear their costumes to the performance. Donations are requested at the door: $4 students/$8 adults. For more information, call the Event Hotline at (773) 702-8069.
