Philharmonia Orchestra to Showcase Concert of Fairytales and Fantasy at The Marlowe Theatre, Nov 22

The night's music will feature Dukas's The Sorcerer's Apprentice, best known for its appearance in Disney's animated film, Fantasia. The music brings to life the story of a wayward apprentice (played by Mickey Mouse in Disney's version!) who bewitches a broom to carry his buckets of water for him, only to find that it can't be stopped and he floods his master's study.

The second magical tale of the evening will take the form of selections from Prokofiev's Cinderella, featuring musical appearances from the two ugly sisters, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother and those fateful 12 chimes at midnight.

Leading the orchestra is Dutch conductor Jac van Steen, who is a familiar face at the BBC Proms and is a regular guest conductor of the best orchestras throughout Europe and the UK. Van Steen also has a great passion for working with young musicians and in the UK alone, regularly works on projects with Chetham's School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. Joining him on stage is fellow Dutchman, cellist Pieter Wispelwey, who will treat the audience to a rendition of Tchaikovsky's playful Variations On A Rococo Theme.

Philharmonia Managing Director David Whelton said: "This concert brings to life some of the greatest musical stories of all time - and what better way to celebrate the coming of Christmas than with a little seasonal magic!"

The Philharmonia Orchestra is at The Marlowe Theatre at 7.30pm on Friday 22 November. Tickets, priced from £11 to £34, are from the Box Office on 01227 787787 or at marlowethetre.com.

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