French composer Camille Saint-Saëns was at the height of his career in 1886. For years, he had been building a reputation as a serious, respected composer. While hard at work on his Symphony No. 3, he realized he needed a break. Rest would help him complete his opus. But while traveling to Austria for a vacation, he continued to compose—not a symphony this time, but something he considered light and amusing. Inspired by the animals he’d seen during his many travels, Saint-Saëns wrote The Carnival of the Animals, a piece his contemporaries referred to as a “zoological fantasy.”
The Carnival of the Animals was an immediate hit with those who heard it, but for several decades its audience was limited to semi-private performances. Feeling that the work was frivolous in comparison with his more serious compositions, Saint-Saëns decreed that the piece could not be published or performed until after his death, with just a few exceptions. When The Carnival of the Animals was finally published in 1922 and publicly performed in Paris, it was rapturously received. As French newspaper Le Figaro reported, "In every bar, at every point, there are unexpected and irresistible finds."
It's hard to believe that Saint-Saëns restricted performance of The Carnival of the Animals for so long, as it’s now one of the most famous classical music pieces ever written. Each of the 14 movements depicts a single or group of animals through playfulness, wit, and remarkably creative instrumental voicing. Considered one of his best works, the piece combines virtuoso level musicianship with powers of natural observation and unique storytelling ability.
At the Family Concert on Sunday, February 25, you’ll enjoy this gorgeous and highly entertaining orchestral work being performed by Santa Cruz Symphony and Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony. You’ll also see and hear “The Orchestra Moves,” the Carnegie Hall Link Up program performed by Santa Cruz Symphony and our community partners.
The Family Concert is a vibrant musical event with entertainment for all ages. At previous Family Concerts, we've seen children dancing in the aisles and eagerly applauding. That's how much they loved it! Learn more about our Youth and Family Concerts here.
