The Tucson Symphony Orchestra will have two matinee performances of “Disney FANTASIA – Live in Concert” during Thanksgiving weekend at the Tucson Music Hall on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The classic Disney film, as well as “Fantasia 2000,” will be included in a beautiful arrangement led by Keitaro Harada for the matinee performances. Harada is a guest conductor for TSO but is recognized at prestigious levels for his participation in the Walter National Conductor Preview. He has received multiple awards and began as associate conductor of the Richmond Symphony in fall 2014. Harada is also the associate conductor for the Arizona Opera. He will debut in the New Japan Philharmonic in December.
The two “Fantasia” films will also be playing on a large, high-definition screen hung above the stage while the orchestra plays great hits such as the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” “Pomp and Circumstance,” “Bumble Boogie,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Pines of Rome” and the “Nutcracker.” These popular tunes can be recognized by their memorable Disney animations.
“We’re pulling the music out and playing it live and showing the film in the concert hall,” said Johnathan Heely, the director of music publishing and concert licensing for the Disney Music Group, in an interview with Tucson Lifestyle. “I think the music will be appreciated even more.”
Taylor Kyle, a viola player in the Foothills Philharmonic in Tucson, said she thinks it’s important for younger generations to go out and see “Fantasia” because “kids can bridge classic music with a movie they like. Everyone hears those classical songs, but we never know who wrote them or anything. ‘Fantasia’ bridges that gap and adds a movie to boot.”
“It’s important to appreciate live classical music,” said Maria Love, a nutritional sciences junior. “It can still play an important part in the lives of generations to come with shows like ‘Fantasia.’”
Many may remember “Fantasia” as a movie watched during music class in their adolescence. For Kyle, it is important to remember where that music came from.
“For me, personally, being able to play a piece that is hundreds of years old makes me feel part of something,” Kyle said, regarding her favorite part of playing in an orchestra. “Humans have been creating these scores from so long ago, and they were capable of making something so much larger than themselves. We can play the same instruments today and pay homage to how impressive humans can be.”
The concert will not only be a great way for families to spend time together, but will also be a great way for one to reconnect with their inner child. Ticket prices range from $28 to $84 with children under the age of 18 getting 50 percent off single ticket prices.
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