Saturday, April 24, 2021

SuncoastNews.com: The Florida Orchestra to perform U.S. premiere of unique ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ composed by Eleanor Alberga

Eleanor Alberga 
String Quartets 1, 2 & 3
Ensemble Arcadiana
Navona Records


By Tampa Bay Newspapers Staff

Apr 22, 2021

ST. PETERSBURG — The Florida Orchestra will perform the U.S. premiere of a wickedly fun version of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” with a storyline by famed author Roald Dahl, music by acclaimed composer Eleanor Alberga, and lead narration by actor Becca McCoy.

It will be performed live at TFO’s Family Concert, scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2 p.m., at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts — Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. The performance will be presented following CDC guidelines for safety. Separately, the concert also will feature powerful images of a new work by internationally renowned installation artist Ya La’ford, set to Mozart’s iconic Overture to The Marriage of Figaro.

“Roald Dahl’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is not the traditional fairytale. Beloved author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Matilda” and other children’s classics, Dahl fills his PG-rated rendition with humorous, spooky twists and a surprise ending that will captivate families. The performance is recommended for ages 8 and older. Jamaican-born composer Alberga creates an enchanting musical backdrop of wild forests and dance parties. The work premiered at the Royal Festival Hall in London in 1994.

"We're excited to be the first orchestra to bring this fresh, magical work to a live American audience. Eleanor Alberga's music vividly tells the story with beauty, humor and sometimes even a spooky edge," said Daniel Black, TFO resident conductor, who will lead 30 TFO musicians. "TFO is committed to bringing attention to a wide range of composers, and Alberga is a fascinating talent with a unique musical voice deserving of greater recognition."

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Tickets are $8 per person in advance and $10 at the door. Children age 3 and younger are admitted for free. Tickets are available now online at FloridaOrchestra.org or by phone at 727-892-3337 or 800-662-7286. The ticket center is not open for in-person transactions.

For this performance, Becca McCoy will be joined by Mark Cantrell, TFO president and chief executive, and Michelle Kim-Painter, TFO community engagement coordinator, to tell the Snow White story through narration, without a set or images.

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