The last project of this year is coming up, and it’s definitely not just any project! The Fairytale Project is a series of family concerts where there’s something for both young and old to experience. With magnificent pieces that fit the fairytale theme well, it’s a very diverse program. And it’s not just about making music! In collaboration with storyteller Edwin “Ome Willem” Rutten, the concert is complete, and you’ll discover even more about the stories behind these pieces.

Cinderella Suite – Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)

The famous ballet by Prokofiev is about the fairytale with the same name. However, the orchestral suite will be performed here. Composed in 1944, the piece tells the story of Cinderella from start to finish: how she is ridiculed by her stepsisters, the transformation by the magical fairy, and the ball with the prince. This creates a splendid piece where a classic fairytale comes to life.

Rosenkavalier Suite – Richard Strauss (1864-1949)

One of Strauss’ most famous operas is Der Rosenkavalier. An international success and incredibly popular when it was composed in 1911, Strauss granted permission in 1945 for a suite to be published, which he did not write himself. The arrangement by Artur Rodziński is a good translation of the drama and grandeur of the opera.

Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands – Edward Elgar (1857-1934)

This collection of 6 pieces was written by Elgar as a memory of his vacation in the Bavarian Highlands. He was deeply inspired by the nature and folk songs he experienced there and decided to write these pieces based on them. The text is also inspired by those same folk songs.

The Road Home – Stephen Paulus (1949-2014)

Composed in 2006, this piece by contemporary composer Stephen Paulus is a great addition from modern times. The text, which is sung a cappella, describes someone who is lost and longs to find their way home. Years have passed, surviving wind and rain, until a voice is heard calling: “Rise up, follow me, I will lead you home.”