Regional grade school students are being invited to a whimsical orchestral adventure in which they will step inside a fantastical animal kingdom where lions roar, turtles dance, elephants lumber, kangaroos leap, and swans glide — all through the magic of a live symphony orchestra.
The Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY), with support from presenting sponsor SeaComm Federal Credit Union, will bring to life French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ beloved Carnival of the Animals for North Country schoolchildren in early 2027.
The free 45-minute performance will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, February 12, 2027 in Hosmer Hall at the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. The program is designed for students in Grades 3, 4, and 5. Community Performance Series, Potsdam, is partnering with ONNY as school outreach consultants.
Carnival of the Animals is a playful musical parade filled with humor, imagination, and unforgettable melodies. Each animal is brought vividly to life through the unique sounds of the orchestra, from the fluttering flute and mysterious clarinet to strings, xylophone, glass harmonica, and two pianos.
With ONNY’s Music Director Colonel Michael J. Colburn, USMC (Ret.) conducting and moderating the program, students will discover how composers can use music to make audiences hear, imagine, and even feel the personalities of the animal world.
“This is more than a concert — it’s an invitation to explore, imagine, and experience the orchestra in a completely new way,” says Colburn. “Carnival of the Animals is funny, surprising, and full of musical characters that children can immediately connect with.”
SeaComm Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Massena, is making the program possible through its sponsorship.It is helping bring the power and excitement of live orchestral music directly to students across the North Country.
SeaComm CEO and President Scott Wilson noted, “Music and the arts are rich in the North Country. We are extremely fortunate to be living in an area that appreciates the value the Orchestra of Northern New York brings to us.
“We are proud to be the contributing sponsor of this live symphony Carnival of Animals, which will provide an enriching experience for grade school students in St. Lawrence County.” Wilson continued. “For many students, the performance will be an opportunity to experience the sound, energy, and excitement of a full orchestra in person. They will also discover how classical music can be every bit as imaginative, entertaining, and unexpected as the animal kingdom itself.”
School districts will arrange student transportation on February 12 to/from Hosmer Hall. They are encouraged to make reservations with ONNY soon.
For more information, visit ONNY.org, email ONNY Executive Director Kathy Del Guidice at executivedirector@onny.org, or call/text 315-212-3440.