Let’s Talk Turkey
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra‘s Lollipop Family Concert Series kicks off at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 21 at historic Music Hall. “Let’s Talk Turkey,” designed specifically for children ages 3 to 10, is a celebration for all things Thanksgiving. Assistant Conductor Vince Lee and the CSO will perform Thanksgiving favorites like “Turkey in the Straw”, “Food Glorious Food” and a sing-along to “Old McDonald.” Singers and dancers from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music will also take the stage providing a stimulating and fun performance.
In addition, the CSO is partnering with Cincinnati’s Freestore Foodbank for a canned good drive. Children and families are asked to donate canned goods, which can be dropped off in the lobby before the performance.
“The CSO in an effort to collaborate with the community, joins forces with the Freestore Foodbank to not only help the less fortunate but to teach kids how a simple donation can better the lives of others,” says Alex Mendelsohn, Manager of Community Learning at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Pre-concert activities begin at 9:30 a.m. that morning in Corbett Tower. There will be a Kid’s Zone and “Instrument Petting Zoo,” where musicians will give instrument demonstrations while volunteers provide hands-on experiences with instruments from the four orchestral families—strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion.
Tickets are $7 for children and $12 for adults, and can be purchased at the Music Hall Box Office, by calling (513) 381-3300, or online at cincinnatisymphony.org.
“Fiesta,” the second Lollipop Family concert conducted by Mr. Lee on Saturday, January 23, celebrates the music of Latin America and Spain. This concert will musically transport children south of the border while experiencing lush, vibrant and beautiful music. Songs like “The Mexican Hat Dance” will be sure to get children and families out of their seats, heating up their winter day!
Cincinnati native Vince Lee, a protégé of the late Erich Kunzel, was appointed Assistant Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in August 2008. The symphony has been a part of Mr. Lee’s life from an early age. Lee prepared the children’s chorus for a Cincinnati Opera production of Carmen at the age of 13, and then made his professional conducting debut, also at age 13, leading the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. He appeared as a guest artist with the Pops seven times over six years.
“The Lollipop Family Concert series is a fun, interactive, exciting and engaging way to introduce kids to the symphonic experience at an early age. Our hope is for young children to develop an appreciation for the symphony creating lifelong music lovers,” says Mendelsohn.
The Lollipop Family Concerts are part of the CSO’s extensive educational program, Sound Discoveries, which also includes Young People’s Concerts designed for elementary and middle school student classes.
Each season more than 20,000 students from over 150 schools and groups from Southeast Indiana, Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio attend these exciting Young People’s Concerts at Music Hall.
