Tchaikovsky Discovers America

Free Family Concert
Wiggles welcome, MEMORIES MADE

“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!” - Tchaikovsky describes what he’s discovered in America. 

The Reno Phil presents Tchaikovsky Discovers America by Classical Kids LIVE! 

Based on the actual historical event, 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, First Piano Concerto and String Serenade. 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 an ideal introduction to the orchestra for young listeners.  

Plaza Activities: Enjoy special activities for children on the plaza and in the concert hall lobbies related to the theme of the concert, including a coloring station, craft station, and more. Activities take place from 3:00 PM - 3:55 PM for 4:00 PM concertgoers.