School’s finally out and you’re probably wondering how, for the umpteenth time, you’re going to respond when the kids start whining that they’re bored and there’s nothing to do.
Fear not, moms and dads, the answer to the summer doldrums is just a short, 45-minute drive north of Tulsa.
The 2008 OK Mozart Festival kicks off June 13 in Bartlesville for a nine-day extravaganza of music, dance, performance art and other boredom-squelching activities. Now in its 24th season, OK Mozart annually draws some of the world’s most celebrated musicians and performing artists to northeastern Oklahoma for a summertime event that is both fun and family-friendly.
“Our goal is to make the arts accessible to everyone,” said Scott Black, executive director of the OK Mozart Festival. “It’s very affordable and the events are all reasonably priced and many are free.”
This year’s festival will include a variety of entertainment options for the whole family, including classical music performances, ballet, Broadway and jazz tunes, lectures, a chocolate tasting, a tour of a famed Bartlesville mansion, storytelling and arts and crafts. Noted saxophonist Branford Marsalis, Broadway star Ben Vereen and Grammy-winning pianist Peter Nero are just a few of the many talents who will be on hand for the celebration.
On June 16, moms and daughters are invited to attend a princess tea at Ta-Da! in Bartlesville. Princesses in attendance will be provided with dress-up outfits, tiaras and a yummy assortment of treats such as finger sandwiches and petit fours.
For the future Maria Tallchiefs and budding Baryshnikovs in the family, the New York Theatre Ballet will present several ballets June 17 at the Bartlesville Community Center. Dancers will perform an abbreviated version of the fairytale ballet “Sleeping Beauty,” as well as works by famed choreographers Agnes de Mille and Anthony Tudor.
On June 19, children of all ages can view performances of “Stellaluna” and the literary classic “The Wind in the Willows” by Stone Lion Puppet Theatre, the acclaimed Kansas City-based puppet troupe. Attendees also will have the opportunity to take part in a puppet-making workshop with members of the troupe.
A harmonica workshop and “Blues You Can Use,” a workshop that teaches kids the basics of blues music also are on tap for young festival-goers, as well as a summery, calypso-themed performance by Bartlesville High School’s steel drum band.
Through its Educational Outreach Workshop program, OK Mozart gives young musicians and artists the rare opportunity to work alongside professionals in their chosen disciplines. On the morning of June 17, intermediate and advanced dance students ages 10-18 will be able to take part in master classes with members of the New York Theatre Ballet. On June 18, instrumental music students in grades seven through college can participate in a workshop with the festival’s resident orchestra, whose members have performed with such legendary companies as the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. Advanced registration is required for both workshops.
“It really is a unique opportunity for these students,” Black said. “Last year we had record attendance for students from across the state.”
For an evening of family fun and picnicking, consider attending the Woolaroc Outdoor Concert, which will be June 20 on the grounds of oilman Frank Phillips’ Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve. This year’s theme is “Music of the Stage and Screen,” with guest conductor Michael Krajewski leading the Amici Orchestra in a concert of popular tunes from Broadway, TV and movies. The evening will be capped by a fireworks finale.
“It’s a big-time favorite,” Black said of the Woolaroc concert.
For a complete schedule of OK Mozart Festival events, visit www.okmozart.com or call (918) 336-9900. For event tickets, call (918) 336-9800 or visit www.myticketoffice.com . |
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