THE BEARS’ PICNIC

Featuring Johannes Brahms – Hungarian Dances Nos. 1–7

The Story

A family of bears heads out for a picnic and soon encounters a trio of flamingos with an invitation to compete in a three-legged race. Papa Bear and Brother Bear are ready for the challenge, but Little Bear is left on the sidelines. When Little Bear disappears, the picnic becomes about much more than winning a race. Her family discovers just how much their smallest member matters, and Little Bear discovers that everyone has value, even if you are little!

Cast: 8 actors/dancers + Narrator

Instrumentation: 2(+Picc).2.2.2 — 4.2.3.0 — Timp — Perc — Str

Suggested Strings: 6.5.4.3.2 (Strings may be increased or reduced)

Because Brahms’ first seven Hungarian Dances use several different orchestral versions, individual instrument requirements vary somewhat from dance to dance. The Symphony Kids materials incorporate strings, piccolo/flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horns, trumpets, trombones, timpani, and percussion. Brahms himself orchestrated Nos. 1 and 3 among this group, while the other dances were orchestrated by others, including Hallén, Juon, and Parlow. (imslp.org)

THE GRIMM PRINCESSES

Featuring Antonín Dvořák – Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22

The Story

Cinderella, Briar Rose, Rapunzel, and Snow White find themselves stuck together in a tower, each living a story someone else has written for her. As they begin questioning what is supposed to happen next, they discover something surprising: perhaps they don’t have to wait for a prince (or anyone!) to decide their future. Funny, spirited, and filled with familiar fairy-tale references, The Grimm Princesses is ultimately about finding the courage to write your own story.

Cast: 4 actors + Narrator

Instrumentation: Str — Vln I, Vln II, Vla, Vc, Cb

Suggested Strings: 4.4.3.2.1 (Strings may be increased or reduced)

Dvořák’s original work is scored entirely for those five string sections, making the size of each section naturally scalable to the needs of the presenting orchestra and venue. (imslp.org)

THE BILLY GOATS GRUFF

Featuring Gabriel Fauré – Pavane, Op. 50 & Masques et Bergamasques, Op. 112

The Story

Based on the classic tale, three billy goat siblings must leave their home in search of a new valley with plenty of grass. Armed with a map and clues in the music, they journey over mountains, across the sea, through a spooky forest, and ultimately face the dreaded troll bridge. When they finally encounter the frightening troll they have heard so much about, they discover that appearances can be deceiving, and that sometimes the thing we fear most simply needs a friend.

Cast: 4 actors + Narrator

Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2 — 2.2.0.0 — Timp — Hp — Str

Suggested Strings: 4.4.3.2.1 (Strings may be increased or reduced as appropriate)

The orchestral complement above accommodates the standard scoring of Masques et Bergamasques; Fauré’s Pavane uses the same double woodwinds and two horns with strings, but no trumpets, timpani, or harp. (imslp.org)