Dancers from the Cincinnati Ballet
Choreography by Heather Britt
MAY The “zoololgical fantasy” of French composer
Camille Saint-Saens’ gets a contemporary makeover in
“Carnival of the Animals, a classic that has delighted
audiences of all ages since 1886. A musical suite of
fifteen movements with titles such as “Kangaroos”, “Aquarium”
and the well-known “Swan”, the Carnival features two solo
pianos against an ensemble of nine musicians. Humorous
compositional elements parody the character of each animal:
the “Elephant” contrabass, clipped xylophone skeletons in
“Fossils”, the clucking staccato of “Hens and Cocks”.
concert:nova’s signature style of presenting chamber music
with an unusual twist continues with the commissioning of
fifteen composers to “respond” to each of the original
movements. This team of composers is comprised of
professionals and students, whose newly written movements
will be heard in between those of Saint-Saens. As the
composers have been encouraged to creatively pursue their
own ideas and style of writing, the result is sure to be a
true carnival of sounds and interpretations playing off the
original.
In addition to teaming with composers, concert:nova will
be joined by dancers of the Cincinnati Ballet. Led by
principal ballerina Kristi Capps and dynamic choreographer
Heather Britt, the dances will be choreographed to both the
original and newly composed music to highlight in physical
motion the inevitable contrasts between the two.
As always, the relentless spirit of collaboration which is at
the heart of all concert:nova endeavors reaches new heights
with this dynamic and provocative project.
