Published: Saturday, October 3, 2009
EVERETT SYMPHONY
Disney family concert superb, magical
Sometimes I’m totally depressed by world news; there seems to be so darned much to worry and fret about. Then along comes the experience of an Everett Symphony Family Together concert and one’s world returns to the wonderment of joy of youth. Such was the case at last Saturday’s matinee at the New Life Church.
More than 60 professional musicians — violinists, cellists, bassists, reeds and brass instrumentalists plus harp, piano and a half-dozen percussionists — performed the Magical Music of Disney by composers Alan Menken, Phil Collins and Elton John and arranged by some of America’s top musicians.
Usually a Disney movie has us so wrapped up at what’s happening on the screen that we pay scant attention to the accompanying music. This concert reversed the situation: the Everett Symphony, conducted by Ron Friesen, was the primary attraction, accompanied by triple-screen presentations of scenes from the cartoons and close-up visuals of the musicians in action.
Highlighting the “Little Mermaid” orchestra suite was the bell-like, lyrical voice of Beth El Fattal, and tying the program together with his melodious narration was Jonathan Dichter. What a load of talent, an A-One production. I had to pinch myself to realize it was all happening in li’l old Everett. The performance hall has marvelous acoustics; the opening chords of the music gave me goosebumps.
We owe a lot to the dedicated musicians and the 25-year commitment of Director/Conductor Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs. I eagerly look forward to future concerts where, for two hours, the world’s cares and worries drop away and I’m engulfed in the enchantment of the music.
Dulcie Thorstenson
Everett
More than 60 professional musicians — violinists, cellists, bassists, reeds and brass instrumentalists plus harp, piano and a half-dozen percussionists — performed the Magical Music of Disney by composers Alan Menken, Phil Collins and Elton John and arranged by some of America’s top musicians.
Usually a Disney movie has us so wrapped up at what’s happening on the screen that we pay scant attention to the accompanying music. This concert reversed the situation: the Everett Symphony, conducted by Ron Friesen, was the primary attraction, accompanied by triple-screen presentations of scenes from the cartoons and close-up visuals of the musicians in action.
Highlighting the “Little Mermaid” orchestra suite was the bell-like, lyrical voice of Beth El Fattal, and tying the program together with his melodious narration was Jonathan Dichter. What a load of talent, an A-One production. I had to pinch myself to realize it was all happening in li’l old Everett. The performance hall has marvelous acoustics; the opening chords of the music gave me goosebumps.
We owe a lot to the dedicated musicians and the 25-year commitment of Director/Conductor Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs. I eagerly look forward to future concerts where, for two hours, the world’s cares and worries drop away and I’m engulfed in the enchantment of the music.
Dulcie Thorstenson
Everett
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