Classical Kids Live! – Tchaikovsky Discovers America

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“Far and Away the Best for Introducing Children to Classical Music!” —Boston Herald

“One of the Most Completely Wondrous Examples of Children’s Entertainment Ever!” —Billboard

“Art Made Accessible: Nobody Does it Better than Classical Kids!” —Entertainment Weekly

“The Best Way to Unlock the Mind and Heart of a Child to the Wonders of Musical Masterpieces!” —New York Daily News

Classical Kids Live! and Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
Tchaikovsky Discovers America

This delightful concert performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and recommended for audiences ages six and up. Please join us after the performance for fun musical activities in the lobby, including an actor meet & greet and an instrument petting zoo!

Based on actual historical events, this story tells of the great composer’s arrival in New York for the grand opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891 and his famous trip to Niagara Falls. A surprise encounter with a young American girl, Jennie, reveals much about Tchaikovsky—his life in Russia, his love of music and his fears of conducting. This is a poignant story of the meeting of old-world influences and new world experiences; a tale of contrast, courage and classical music.

Audiences will enjoy more than twenty-five excerpts of the composer’s music including passages from his three famous ballets—The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake—The 1812 Overture, Piano Concerto No. 1 and Serenade for Strings. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors recreate historical incidents from the composer’s life and dance story passages from his famous ballets. This delightful concert, dance and story performance is approximately 50 minutes in length and is recommended for audiences age six and up.

The story begins at New York’s Carnegie Hall and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is attending the last orchestral rehearsal before the grand opening. But construction noise makes it impossible to rehearse and Tchaikovsky finds himself on the street hounded by reporters. He escapes on a train to Niagara Falls where he meets Jennie, a young American girl, who dreams of becoming a ballerina. During their train ride they discover much about each other—their joys and fears—and the healing influences they impart.

As Tchaikovsky and Jennie approach Niagara Falls, Tchaikovsky describes what he has discovered in America, “There’s an electric energy in this country…all these people, so generous and open-hearted…their ideas, their dreams, their music…all flowing together like a mighty river—everything tumbling toward the future!”

“All silent now, the magic spell is told, all silent now, our mystery tale unfolds…”

The original audio recording of Tchaikovsky Discovers America claims dozens of top music, educational, and parenting awards. Based on this highly acclaimed recording, the Tchaikovsky Discovers America theatrical symphony concert is an imaginative way to introduce young audiences and their families to the life and music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in a live performance venue.

About Classical Kids LIVE!
Classical Kids LIVE! is produced by Classical Kids Music Education, a Chicago-based non-profit organization that works to enrich communities through direct access to culturally significant venues, professional artists and organizations, and high-quality theatrical concert productions, while fostering new appreciation for classical music and music history. In combination with the Classical Kids Teaching Edition, Classical Kids LIVE! serves as one of the world’s best educational outreach and community engagement programs contributing to the long-term health of classical music. Having received more awards and honors than any other entity of its kind, Classical Kids is proud to say, “We’re making a difference!”

About Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ mission is to inspire and cultivate personal excellence through music. After 75 years of music-making, CYSO continues to shape generations of young leaders and musicians. Students collaborate and create in a learning environment like no other, developing fundamental skills including leadership, self-confidence, teamwork, and resilience. We are committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering each young musician so that they may pursue personal excellence both on and off stage.