skip navigation | text only | accessibility | site map
Share
Rip Van Winkle (Photo of)

NSO Family Concerts: Rip Van Winkle and Other Musical Tales

Leonard Slatkin conducts music inspired by beloved stories and characters, including the world premiere of Rip Van Winkle, narrated by Tony(r) winner Brian Stokes Mitchell and inspired by Washington Irving's classic tale.

About the Program | Reviews | Watch and Listen | Additional Resources | Gift Items

This event has already closed.
Please use the event calendar to search for current events.

About the Program

Artists:
For the first Family Concert in the NSO's 75th Anniversary Season, Leonard Slatkin conducts a fascinating program of music inspired by some of the world's most beloved characters and stories! The highlight is the world premiere of Rip Van Winkle--a new work that, through narration and music, brings to life Washington Irving's tall tale about a man who finally awakens from 20 years of sleep, only to discover that everything has changed. Created by Pulitzer Prize winner David Del Tredici, Rip Van Winkle is the first in a new series of NSO commissions that unites American folk tales with outstanding American composers. The work will be narrated by Tony Award(r) winner Brian Stokes Mitchell, acclaimed for his performances in Broadway's Kiss Me, Kate and the 2002 Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration production of Sweeney Todd.  Mitchell will also sing "Impossible Dream" from The Man of La Mancha, a role for which he received a 2003 Tony nomination.

Also featured are the Overture to Bernstein's Candide, "Huckleberry Finn" from Grofé's Mississippi Suite, Copland's Down a Country Lane, "Jubilee" from Gould's Spirituals for Orchestra, and John Williams's Flying Theme from E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial. 

Recommended for ages 7 & up

Come Early for the Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo"
Starting an hour before the concert, this hands-on activity gives young concertgoers a chance to get up close with the instruments they'll see played professionally on the stage--from violins, harps, and oboes to trombones and percussion. A project of the Women's Committee for the NSO.

Kids' Chats
Following each of the 3 p.m. Family Concerts, young audience members can ask questions and hear engaging stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with the artists. For this concert, stay for a talk with Leonard Slatkin, Rip Van Winkle composer David Del Tredici, and librettist Ray Warman.

NEW! See the Musicians Up Close on the Big Screen
Beginning this season, all NSO Family Concerts will feature Image Magnification, which projects the music-making onstage onto a giant screen above the Orchestra! It's a great way to see how the artists play their instruments as you listen to the music.
Program:
BERNSTEIN - Overture to Overture to Candide  Program Notes
GROFé - "Huckleberry Finn" from Mississippi Suite
LEIGH - "Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha
COPLAND - Down a Country Lane
GOULD - "Jubilee" from Spirituals for Orchestra
WILLIAMS - Flying Theme from Flying Theme from E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial
DEL TREDICI - Rip Van Winkle

 A National Symphony Orchestra Commission, made possible by a gift from Ann and Tom Friedman


All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

Group of 20 or more? Contact Group Sales for special terms.

Additional Resources

About the Kennedy Center NSO Family Series

National Symphony Orchestra 75th Feature : An interactive exhibit on the history of the NSO

Reviews and Articles

"Making Pieces Come Alive For Kids"
The Washington Post – Washington, DC (Nov. 08, 2005) "Leonard Slatkin, conductor and music director of the National Symphony Orchestra, travels around the country learning about the state of music education…" Read More...

From the Gift Shop


This event has already closed.

Please use the event calendar to search for current events.