It’s my intention that this allows the listener to see the animated version of the story in their own imagination as the music unfolds.Adler Theatre, 136 East Third Street, Davenport IAĪugustana College's Centennial Hall, 3707 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island ILĭelivering a thrilling repertoire of compositions inspired by poetry and literature, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra continues its Masterworks season with the musicians' second showcase for 2021-22: Fantasies & Fables, November 6 and 7 presentations held at the Adler Theatre and Augustana College's Centennial Hall that will be highlighted by renditions of Frederick's Fables narrated by esteemed poet, author, and performance artist Shellie Moore Guy.Ī former Poet Laureate of the Quad Cities who uses self-expression as a tool for individual and community empowerment, Guy is lifelong resident of Rock Island, Illinois, whose work as an artist, community activist, and advocate has blended art, activism, and education in many areas.
But in Frederick’s Fables, there are many moments of action in the stories where the narration and the music are closely synchronized. Or there are interludes in the music over which the narrator reads, without concern that the music might compete with their voice. He continues, “In most works for narrator and orchestra, the narrator reads and then the orchestra plays. Jones, ‘What would you like to narrate, if you were to perform with us?’ Since he had a young son at the time, he said, ‘I’ve always wanted to read a children’s book.’ I remembered the earliest of the Lionni stories from my own childhood and so, I selected several of his stories that suggested music to me simply through their emotions and colorful illustrations.” VocalEssence wanted a piece for narrator and orchestra for James Earl Jones to premiere. “ Frederick’s Fables was commissioned by VocalEssence, at the time called the Plymouth Music Series of Minnesota. VocalEssence presented the first two songs in 1994 featuring James Earl Jones and in 1996, they premiered the second grouping with guest narrator Garrison Keillor.Ībels shares some insight. Frederick’s Fables was commissioned and premiered by the Minnesota-based ensemble VocalEssence, conducted by Philip Brunelle. Scored for narrator and orchestra, the 37-minute, four-movement piece showcases fours texts by celebrated children’s author and illustrator Leo Leonni.
On March 12, 2022, Michael Abels joins the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra for a performance of his work Frederick’s Fables, conducted by Stilian Kirov.
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