NEXT GENERATION PERFORMANCE Set for 12/7 at Palace Theatre

Returning by popular demand at Stamford's Palace Theatre this Saturday, December 7th at 7 p.m., The Next Generation concert offers an exciting evening of music, dance and art by some of Fairfield County's most exceptional young artists. A collaborative effort between the Ballet School of Stamford, Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic, INTAKE Organization, Curtain Call, Inc. and The Chamber Music Institute for Young Musicians, the performance reunites the area arts organizations under The Next Generation banner. This year, artwork created by students mentored by The Loft Artists Association will be included.

Providing a festive introduction to the holiday season, and one that is affordable for the whole family, The Next Generation offers area families the opportunity to create and enjoy a wonderful annual tradition. We are excited that Stamford's Mayor David Martin will be our guest host for the evening.

The performance will open with La Boutique Fantastique, a ballet about a magical toy store choreographed by Michael Vernon, performed by The Ballet School of Stamford and the Chamber Music Institute Quartet. The Chamber Music Institute for Young Musicians under the direction of Asya Meshberg, will follow with pieces by Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Haydn and Shostakovich. Young actors from Curtain Call will close the act with some exciting improv games.

The second act will open with a debut performance by INTAKE Organization's Youth Ensemble, on a Latin-American inspired piece with dancers from The Ballet School of Stamford. In order to reflect INTAKE Organization's mission of engaging diverse audiences, bilingual holiday medleys and western classical music will be performed on native instruments and concertgoers will be engaged in hearing the charango -- a native South American instrument, played for the very first time at this premiere concert hall.

Under the direction of musical director and principal conductor Christian Capocaccia, the organization's flagship orchestra Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic will perform from Beethoven's 7th Symphony and Wagner's Overture to Die Meistersinger. All these talented groups will join together for a fun-filled finale.

Tickets for students are $14 with adult tickets at $29 or $54 for benefit tickets including a pre-show reception. Group tickets at $9 for children and $24 for adults are also available. Tickets are on sale at www.SCAlive.org, charge by phone with major credit cards by calling the Palace Theatre Box Office at 203-325-4466 or in person at the Palace Theatre in downtown Stamford, CT. The box office is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All net proceeds will benefit the performing non-profit youth arts organizations.