GLENDALE -- Today, we change the format of the Reel Critics column
with our critics commenting on the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Family
Concert, which was Sunday at The Alex Theatre in Glendale. We will return
to the regular movie format next week.
Actors from A Noise Within conducted an interactive workshop on "A
Midsummer Night's Dream" and youngsters got to play instruments during
the Petting Zoo. A classical music concert followed, titled "Bursts of
Baroque" featuring Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann, Handel and Purcell. Conductor
and Music Director Jeffrey Kahane told fun facts about the selections.
The final segment in the series is scheduled for Sunday, April 22,
titled "Instruments in Motion" and features classical works by Mozart and
Tchaikovsky. Tickets are from $5 to $7.50 for children and $10 to $15 for
adults. For reservations, call (213) 622-7001, ext. 215.
Marla Martin is a graphic designer and belly dance teacher in La
Crescenta. She is also the mother of fellow Reel Critics Max and Tina
Martin.
Hooray for the L.A. Chamber Orchestra's Family Concert! This event was
a whole cultural buffet, perfectly geared to children and families. There
were musical instruments a-go-go for them to experiment with before the
concert, and the actors from A Noise Within theater company did a great
job of helping the younger crowd through the difficult language in
Shakespeare.
The concert itself was exquisite. The conductor, who was also the
harpsichordist, spoke briefly between the musical passages, helping us to
understand and appreciate the pieces even more. We were even treated to a
garden hose being played like a trumpet!
There were several video cameras taping the musicians from various
angles, which were projected on three large screens behind the orchestra.
We were able to see over the musicians' shoulders, how they played their
instruments, their sheet music in front of them, close-ups of their
faces, and even inside the amazingly beautiful harpsichord. The feeling
was light, the music delightful and the audience truly engaged.
Max Martin is a sixth-grader at La Crescenta Elementary School.
I saw a very interesting and wonderful play and concert. It was
interesting because I have never seen an oboe or a bassoon. An oboe is
sort of a flute with a metal loop where you put your mouth on it. A
bassoon is a longer type of oboe.
Also, at the courtyard of the theater, they had two tables that had
two violins and a cello. At the other table there was a flute, a pair of
cymbals, a lot of drums, maracas and the rattle, and we got to try them
all out! The play was "A Midsummer Night's Dream." I think everybody
should see this play and concert.
Tina Martin is a sophomore at Crescenta Valley High School.
This combination of classical music, hands-on learning and acting from
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" was absolutely delightful. Kids were able to
bang on drums, shake maracas and play flutes, violins and cellos. I saw
many fascinated faces as they learned how to hold a violin or heard the
loud bang from a pair of cymbals.
There was a brief excerpt from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" performed
and that was entertaining as well. The best part was the concert. I was
enchanted and completely consumed by the beauty of the music.
In between each section of music, we learned about the instruments and
how the composer wanted the piece to be played. We got to look up close
at the instruments and the people playing them. This was a lovely and
interesting way to spend an afternoon.
