Event

Carnival of the Animals

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.