Flathead talent brings 'Peter and the Wolf' to the stage

Musicians and actors from across the Flathead Valley will perform Serge Prokofiev’s symphonic fairytale “Peter and the Wolf” in Kalispell and Whitefish on Jan. 19 and 20.

Glacier Symphony and Chorale Music Director John Zoltek’s “Trumpet Concerto” will make its world premier as performed by young trumpet virtuoso, Natalie Dungey. Maestro Zoltek was inspired to write the piece after Dungey’s appearance in the 2011 Festival Amadeus in Whitefish where the then 12-year-old stunned audiences with musical skills far beyond her years.

Zoltek said that when he composed the work for Dungey he hoped to capture and express a sense of youthful innocence, play and exuberance, while still allowing for a bit of technical concerto flash. He added that “Trumpet Concert” evokes an atmosphere of winter sounds with its clear orchestration, clean lines and almost brittle lyricism.

“This is especially true of the prelude,” Zoltek said. “The second movement toccata is an icy and chilling sounding technical maze for the soloist; it will be an exciting conclusion and contrast to the serenity of the prelude. The piece will be an excellent vehicle for the young Dungey’s trumpeting technique and artistry.”

“Peter and the Wolf” is the classic story about a Russian boy named Peter who sneaks out of his yard into the forest against his grandfather’s wishes. While in the woods he befriends a bird, a duck and a cat and confronts a wily wolf.

Instruments in the orchestra represent each character while the narrator tells the vivid story which has long been loved by children and adults for its sense of humor and good-natured tunefulness.

Costumed dancers from Kalispell’s Noble Dance will interpret the piece that was written to introduce children to the sounds of the instruments of the orchestra. Nancy Nei, former Artistic Director of the Whitefish Theatre Company, will narrate.

Performances will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Whitefish Performing Arts Center and Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. at Flathead High Performance Hall, Kalispell. Tickets are available in a range of prices and seating tiers. All students through 12th-grade are admitted free to the concerts. Call the GSC to reserve student seats at 257-3241 or buy online at www.gscmusic.org.