Arts & Culture
4 Reasons To Experience Allegro’s Summer Fairytales Concert
Don't miss Allegro's magical Fairytales concert on July 28.
On Saturday, July 28 at 7pm you’re invited to experience a special (and magical) event as Allegro performs their newest concert Fairytales at President James Buchanan’s Wheatland. Rain date is Sunday, July 29 at 7pm.
I sat down with Brian Norcross, Artistic Director and Conductor of Allegro, to learn more about what makes this event one of the best of the summer.
Here are 4 reasons to attend Allegro’s magical Fairytales concert on July 28!
Brian Norcross, Artistic Director and Conductor of Allegro
1 – Magical Music
“The music is amazing,” said Brian Norcross. “Our inspiration is fairy tales, so we have several pieces that connect different ways to different kinds of tales.”
From performing Flight of Neverland by John Williams from the movie Hook, to the classic Hansel and Gretel overture by Humerdinck, the music array boasts a variety of powerful pieces.
“We wanted to do something eclectic,” added Norcross. “We wanted a blend of different styles.”
In addition to those two pieces, the performance will feature Night on Bald Mountain by Mussorgsky, Noon Witch by Dvorak, and some surprises. There will be about 47 players in this orechestra for Fairytales, a little larger than an 18th century orchestra.
2 – Venue: A Natural Amphitheater
One of the other exciting aspects of this specific event, is the location.
“We are performing at Wheatland,” said Norcross. “We are playing on the back porch. The area is a natural amphitheater, with a sloping yard—the folks at Wheatland have never done this before. We are excited.”
The venue can hold up to almost 700 people—so space is open and ready for the crowd. Scroll to the end of the story to view seating options!
3- Accessible And Approachable, For Everyone!
“The Allegro tradition is that everyone is welcome,” said Norcross. “As the music is playing, I share the story and narrate in a way that both music lovers and those who have never been to an orchestra concert before can enjoy.”
This concert is open to everyone—including families and kids. The concert is actually free for anyone from 5-18 years old. Norcross, along with his Allegro team, want to emphasize that music is truly for everyone, and should be accessible to the whole community.
“The Italian term ‘Allegro’ means ‘joyful’,” said Norcross. “We want to exhibit that joy, greet the audience as they attend, and engage with them as friends.”
"All performers are connected with, or from, Lancaster. This is Lancaster’s orchestra. When I introduce the group at a performance, I like to introduce the people. They are friends, they are neighbors, they are community around us."
4 – Supporting Local
“All performers are connected with, or from, Lancaster,” said Norcross. “This is Lancaster’s orchestra. When I introduce the group at a performance, I like to introduce the people. They are friends, they are neighbors, they are community around us.”
The Lancaster community is at its best when collaboration happens. At Allegro, it’s important this collaboration helps grow new generations of musicians, and those interested in music.
“Allegretto is the youth orchestra,” said Norcross. “It’s important to engage next generations in music.”
Allegro NextGEN is the youth orchestra program, which includes the highly select Allegretto Youth Orchestra. Allegro NextGEN focuses on elementary school, middle school, and high school students. It’s an engaging program that helps the educational process of music while getting students involved at an early age.
In addition to the collaborative, family-friendly atmosphere, guests to the Fairytales concert can purchase ice cream from Penny’s Ice Cream truck that will be parked at the event. And to further establish the importance of giving back to the local community, a percentage of concert ticket sales will go to LancasterHistory.org. Plus, with a glass of complementary champaign (or sparkling cider) and gourmet popcorn upon arrival, who could say no to this event?
“The event is going to be fantastic,” added Norcross. “We are excited to showcase this music to the community.”
A ticket with reserved seating (includes folding chair) is $25, general admission ticket (bring your own blanket or lawn chair) is $20, and children (5-18) are free. Concert will run for about an one hour and fifteen minutes. Starts at 7pm. Rain date is Sunday, July 29. For more information, and to get tickets, visit the website.
It’s a magical concert you don’t want to miss.
Whimsical illustration representing the concert
