Symphony to Present “Peter and the Wolf” Two Ways

REDLANDS, Calif. – The Redlands Symphony will present two performances featuring Prokofiev’s classic fable Peter and the Wolf on March 8, 2025.

The Symphony is introducing this year a “Relaxed Concert” in tandem with the traditional evening program.

“The ‘Relaxed Concert’ concept is designed to provide access to those in our community for whom an evening performance is not feasible,” says Executive Director Kevin Eberle-Noel. Eberle-Noel mentions that the “Relaxed Concert” is great for families, those who prefer to not drive at night, and music lovers who prefer a less formal atmosphere to enjoy a symphony performance.

The Relaxed Concert, titled “Peter and the Animals,” is a 45-minute performance starting at 2:30PM. To break down the barriers that surround classical music, guests may notice some obvious differences, according to Eberle-Noel.

“The orchestra, for one, will not be dressed in formal attire. The point of this relaxed performance is to meet people where they are, and that includes casual dress. Additionally, the Chapel will be well lit and will be open seating so guests can choose the seats that work best for them. Finally, the concert will be a ‘no-hush’ zone where guests are encouraged to enjoy the experience as they see fit without judgement or scrutiny from others,” Eberle-Noel explains.

“Peter and the Animals” will feature Music Director and Conductor Ransom Wilson leading Redlands favorite Debbie Prustman through selections from Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals and Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.

Activities will be available for guests prior to the concert, beginning at 1:30PM.

Later that same day, the Redlands Symphony will present “Orchestral Menagerie,” the full-length version of the afternoon concert. A more traditional concert experience, this concert will still feature Debbie Prutsman narrating Peter and the Wolf, but will also feature the entirety of Carnival of the Animals as well as Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee and Concertmaster Sam Fischer performing as soloist in Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. The “Orchestral Menagerie” concert will last approximately an hour and a half.

Tickets for “Peter and the Animals” (Relaxed Concert) are $20 for adults and $10 for children with open seating.

Tickets for “Orchestral Menagerie” range from $20 to $80 for adults with discounts available for children and students with valid ID. 

For more information, please visit www.redlandssymphony.com or contact the Redlands Symphony Box Office at (909) 587-5565.