Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the St. Louis Jewish Light and the St. Louis Jewish Community Center are hosting a Jewish community night with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. So, what will the night bring? What is in store for the members of the Jewish community in attendance? Here is all you need to know.
The concert
The concert, “Musical Fables,” is a feast for the eyes and ears and will be led by Musical Director Stéphane Denève.
“Denève leads music for which he is internationally renowned. The first half includes French music by Albert Roussel and Francis Poulenc,” said Eric Dundon, public relations director for the SLSO.
French animator Grégoire Pont conjures an entire world before our eyes. In Albert Roussel’s “The Spider’s Feast,” Pont’s sketches dance on screen while the SLSO plays. Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” is accompanied by the Academy Award-winning short film and the SLSO captures the energy of Francis Poulenc’s colorful musical fables, “Les Animaux modèles.”
“One thing to note, some people might think ‘Peter and the Wolf’ is a children’s tale, but Stéphane believes it is complex music for everyone. The film, in particular, does not feel like a children’s movie due to the style,” said Dundon.
All about animals
Look for a thread of commonality in how the program is built around musical depictions of animals. “The Spider’s Feast” depicts insects in a garden. The insects are trapped in a spider’s web and the villain goes to battle with a praying mantis. “Les Animaux modèles” is a series of fables derived from Aesop’s fables, which includes various animal characters, including a lion and roosters. “Peter and the Wolf” is the story of a boy and his woodland friends who escape from the treachery of the wolf.
More details
Ken Page, a St. Louis native, Broadway star (“Cats,” among others), and a Muny veteran will narrate Poulenc’s “Les Animaux modèles,” which is a retelling of the fables from which the music is created.
During intermission, Jewish Community Night attendees are invited to the Peabody Lounge for complimentary brownies, cookies, tea and coffee. A cash bar will be available.
After the concert
After the concert attendees are invited back to the Peabody Lounge for a special champagne toast with conductor Denève. Complimentary champagne and a cash bar will be available.
Tickets and parking
Group tickets are available for $25 per seat in the orchestra level. To Buy Tickets and to Register or for Parking
If you already have tickets to the Jan. 27 concert you can register to attend the Jewish Community Night.
If you would like to purchase your tickets on your own, go to SLSO.org and use the promo code COMMUNITY for a 15% discount. You will need to register to attend the Jewish Community Night.
Parking: Parking passes are available for the Abrams Garage directly next to Stifel for $30 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance.
Registration is required to attend at Intermission or for the Champagne Toast. Your tickets will be emailed to the person who bought the tickets in the next couple of days. For questions about tickets please contact Susan Roberts.
The January 27th concert is Jewish Community Night. It is sponsored by Michael Staenberg and the Staenberg Family Foundation. This performance is underwritten in part by a generous gift in memory of Sanford and Rosalind Neuman*.
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