What is Peter and the Wolf?


Peter and the Wolf is a musical fairy tale composed by Sergei Prokofiev. By utilizing different instruments and motifs to represent each character, the orchestra illustrates a story that has introduced generations of children of all ages to the sounds of different instruments and the intricacies of classical music. The assignment of each instrument to the different characters was not a random choice. Children can easily associate the sounds of the different instruments with the characters they represent (i.e. the flute can sound like a bird, and thus represents the character of the bird in the story). Prokofiev even pokes fun at the sounds of the instruments. For example, when the oboe is played poorly, it can resemble its fairytale counterpart: the duck. Since its 1936 debut, there have been many different interpretations of the Peter and the Wolf story--most notably the Disney animated adaptation narrated by David Bowie. There have also been multiple stage adaptations, including a ballet performance by the Syracuse City Ballet. This versatile composition is an exquisite combination of music and dance, making it the perfect performance to showcase the musicians and dancers of New Rochelle.



Do I have to pay to attend?

Nope! This performance is cost-free!

Are you accepting donations?

Yes! While the tickets are free, we are also establishing a "pay as you wish" donation structure for tickets to support the Coleman dancers who are currently unable to pay for lessons.

Who's participating?

The Peter and the Wolf orchestra consists of professional musicians and volunteer student musicians from Songcatchers Inc. and New Rochelle High School. The dancers are students of the City School District of New Rochelle and the Coleman School of Dance.

Can I be a Peter and the Wolf dancer if I don't have a dance background?

Yes! Christie Coleman is offering a separate class at a reduced cost for interested students with no dance training.