Arts: Survival Guide 2009
July 1st, 2009 by Jenni Betts Deming
Kids are some of the most creative creatures around. They can paint an unauthorized masterpiece on the bedroom wall, find the beat using expensive copper pots, and don mommy’s best dress for an exploration in Elizabethan acting. Luckily for Memphis parents, the Mid-South has plenty of artsy ways for imaginative little ones to unleash their talents outside the house. And if your family hasn’t experienced the area arts scene in a while, this year is the perfect time to get your pint-sized Picassos painting, singing, dancing, and creating all over again. Your kids (and your white walls) will thank you.
VISUAL ARTS
Art Classes by Whendy Merryman
2422 Parkway Place • 626-6730 • artstew.com
Specializing in clay, ceramics, and painting, Whendy Merryman offers Summer Art Camps for children ages 6 to 12. Her Lil’ Bit Art is for ages 2 to 6 and classes for ages 6 and up are offered at her residential studio in the fall and spring. Classes explore all media and teach basic art principles.
The Children’s Museum of Memphis
2525 Central Ave. • 458-2678 • cmom.com
CMOM’s educational programming includes Tales & Tunes, Search Party, My First Book Club, Eco Kids Club, Homeschool Labs, Okie Dokie Karaoke, Pint Sized Science, and R&R Storytime. Now through September 13, check out “Top Secret: Mission Toy.” Traveling exhibits change every three months.
Clayworks
2116 Vinton • 340-7247
memphisclayworks.com
Midtown clay studio and gallery offers pottery-making classes for children ages 8 to 12, as well as teens 13 and up. Customized programs for groups of five or more. Private lessons also available.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Overton Park, 1934 Poplar • 544-6200
brooksmuseum.org
The Brooks Museum’s educational programming includes Creation Station for older elementary students and their families, and Storytime for preschool to elementary-age children. Both programs take place in the gallery with reading and a craft. During the Brooks’ Family Days, parents and kids enjoy a free morning of activities such as hands-on art projects, performances, and gallery walks. Activity guides are available to help parents share art viewing with children. Tours available for school groups and homeschoolers. Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Free on Wednesdays.
Memphis College of Art Community Education
Overton Park, 1930 Poplar Ave. • 272-5142
mca.edu
Memphis College of Art’s Summer Art Camp offers two sessions of two-week classes in June and July, for youth ages 5 to 16. New this year, one-week summer art sessions are also offered at Germantown’s Municipal Park for ages 4 to 6. Saturday School provides programming for kids during the fall and spring. For older teens, MCA holds a Pre-College Summer Art Academy, which gives students the opportunity to study art on the college level and earn college credit.
Paint a Piece —Paint Your Own Pottery Studio
Wolfchase Commons, 8075 Giacosa Pl.,
Suite 102 • 387-3473
9289 Poplar Ave. Suite 105 • 754-0884
paintapiece.com
Voted one of the top 15 birthday party spots in Memphis, Paint a Piece hosts bridal showers, scout troops, church groups, and team-building events. Every Tuesday studio fees are half-price (plus the price of your pottery). Also check out the Summer Workshops for pottery painting, tye-dying and lots more.
Seize The Clay
Chickasaw Oaks Village, 3084 Poplar Ave.
323-2991 • seizetheclay.net
New to the studio is a Mosaic Center, where kids can tile and grout a mirror or picture frame and take it home the same day. Kids can also paint and decorate anything from piggy banks to hairbrushes. Birthday packages available.
THEATER AND PERFORMING ARTS
Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center Summer Theatre Classes
3663 Appling Rd., Bartlett
385-6440 • bpacc.org
BPACC presents its week-long Summer Theatre Camp sessions for kids completing grades 2 to 8. Here, children learn the fundamentals of acting, singing, and dancing as well as scene work and spontaneous improvisational skills. Call for details.
Germantown Community Theatre
3037 Forest Hill-Irene • 754-2680
germantowncommunitytheatre.org
Each June, GCT puts on a free outdoor children’s musical, performed by kids, for kids, in Germantown’s Municipal Park. Kids can also enjoy Fun in Theatre Summer Camp for children grades pre-K to 12. Students learn all elements of theatre from dancing and acting to crafting props and writing skits. They also offer fall/spring Saturday morning acting classes. The children’s show Reluctant Dragon will be staged at the end of July.
Harrell Performing Arts Theatre
440 W. Powell Rd., Collierville • 853-3228
harrelltheatre.org
Harrell Theatre uses young actors in many productions, such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which takes the stage July 16-26. Fall and spring classes for ages 7 to 15 include theatre and drama classes with some technical instruction.
Hattiloo Theatre
656 Marshall Ave. • 525-0009
hattilootheatre.org
Hattiloo Theatre produces nine plays a season, including musicals, dramas, and comedies. Each year, the company hosts Hattiloo in the Park. For pre-teens, Camp Awareness provides a “cultural rite of passage” for youth. Hattiloo also hosts acting and directing classes for adults and children.
Kindermusik with Ann Durden
1986 Exeter Rd., Germantown • 753-8686
germantownkindermusik.com
Kindermusik offers music and movement classes for infants to 7-year-olds. This parent/child program encourages music and rhythm appreciation. Activities focus on music and language, as well as physical and social development. Season-long sessions begin August, January, and June.
Memphis Black Arts Alliance
FireHouse Community Arts Center
985 S. Bellevue/Elvis Presley Blvd. • 948-9522
memphisblackartsalliance.org
MBAA’s family-oriented, intergenerational experiences help people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities discover the arts, and cultural contributions of African-Americans. Mentored by professional visual, performing, and literary artists, the FireHouse Community Arts Academy offers students of all ages year-round classes in acting/musi
cal theater, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, African dance; painting, drawing, photography, private and group music instruction in piano, strings, winds, blues, jazz, voice; African and band percussion. Community ArtsReach, after-school programs, and summer and holiday camps also available.
Playhouse on the Square’s Theatre for Youth
51 S. Cooper • 728-5631
playhouseonthesquare.org
Playhouse Theatre for Youth’s Saturday Morning Matinee Series features area storytellers, musicians, and performers. Kids learn all about theater at the After School Acting Program (offered at satellite locations around Memphis) for ages 7 to 12. Teens also get into the act with Teens In Theatre (TNT). On Saturdays, check out Theatre School for ages 5 to 17. Summer Youth Theatre Conservatory offers one-, two-, or three-week programs for ages 5 to 17.
Theatre Memphis
ShoWagon/KidsWagon
630 Perkins Ext. • 682-8323
theatrememphis.org
Three times a year, KidsWagon brings tales of myth and literature to the stage. A seven-week course for kids ages 5 to 12 culminates in a public performance. The 2009-2010 season’s titles include Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, and Trickster Tales. Cost: $160. Call for dates and times.
MUSIC LESSONS
Bartlett Music Academy
6757 Stage Rd., Bartlett • 213-4262
bartlettmusicstore.com
The academy offers music classes for piano, keyboard, voice, violin, guitar (acoustic, electric, and bass), flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, and tuba. Instruments also available for sale or rent.
Lane Music
9309 Poplar Ave., Germantown • 755-5025
lanemusic.com
Lane Music offers Percussion Camp for junior and senior high marching band students July 20-24. The Lane Music Rock School, July 20-24, is for ages 12 to adult. Participants meet daily from 1-2:30 p.m. Lane Music also provides lessons for piano, guitar, drum, bass, violin, and band instruments. Instruments available for sale or rent.
Music for Aardvarks
871-0227 • memphisaarkvarks.com
Music for Aardvarks is an interactive music enrichment program for children ages 6 months to 5 years and their parents/caregivers. Classes incorporate singing, dancing, instrument play, and musical storytelling as well as live guitar playing. Classes held in Midtown and East Memphis. Newcomers welcome to drop-in for one free class. Seven-week summer session starts June 7. Available for birthday parties.
Memphis Music
5237 Poplar Ave. • 937-8484
memphispiano.com
Memphis Music offers private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, bass, violin, and band instruments. Band instruments available for sale or rent.
University of Memphis Community Music School
Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music • 678-4244
memphis.edu/music/cms.php
Established in 1971, the Community Music School offers music programs for every age and for all ability levels in piano, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and voice. Private music lessons, group classes (Suzuki and traditional), and ensembles, including Flute Choir and Memphis Area Wind Ensemble (an auditioned group for middle and high school students). Suzuki programs start at age 3 and Kindermusik for tots from newborn to age 7. Summer camps include Memphis Music Camp, Memphis Suzuki Institute, Flute Institute, Piano & Art Camp, Music & Art Camp, and Kindermusik Adventures.
DANCE LESSONS
Ballet Memphis School
7950 Trinity Rd. • 737-7322
balletmemphis.org
Ballet Memphis School offers dance for all ages, and now offers separate classes for boys. Classes begin in August and January. Children in the school can audition to perform in Ballet Memphis’ annual production of The Nutcracker, and all students ages 3 to 18 receive one complimentary ticket to main stage performances.
Ballet On Wheels Dance School and Company
Overton Square, 2085 Monroe Ave.
870-4348 • balletonwheels.org
Ballet on Wheels offers lessons in ballet, pointe, modern dance, jazz, adult ballet exercise, creative movement, and hip-hop for all ages. Classes held at TheatreWorks in Midtown. Classes begin August 8 and January 11. Company auditions held May 29.
Advanced Program of Children’s Ballet
Buckman Performing Arts Center
60 Perkins Ext. • 921-0388 • balletchildren.com
The Advanced Program, directed by Dmitri and Mary Roudnev, offers children 9 to 17, as well as adults, the opportunity to study classical ballet. Dancers perform the classical Nutcracker and a spring recital features Sleeping Beauty or other ballet highlights. Auditions held year-round.
Children’s Ballet and Dance School
921-0388 • balletchildren.com
Children’s Ballet and Dance School, directed by Mary Roudnev, offers dance for ages 2 to 17, as well as adults. Classes are held at the Buckman Performing Arts Center, St George’s School, and area churches. Pre-ballet, ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop, pom, musical theatre and dance, Mom & Tot Sing ‘N Dance Class, as well as private ballet training. Adult Ballet and Adult Classical Conditioning also available.
Dance Academy of Bartlett
6240 Stage Plaza East • 385-2228
thedanceadacdemyofbartlett.com
The Dance Academy provides a variety of dance lessons for ages 3 to adult including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Summer dance camps typically run late June or early July.
Dance Works Inc.
Union Avenue United Methodist Church
2117 Union Ave. • 301-3262 or 452-8811
danceworksinc.org
Now in its 23rd year, Dance Works emphasizes an international accredited classical ballet program as its foundation, which serves as a springboard for introducing other dance forms such as creative dance, modern, jazz, and hip-hop for ages 4 and up. New this year, Dance Works introduces Pilates for ages 14 to adult. Chance to Dance, a four-week intensive summer program for children ages 7 and up, runs July 6-31. Summer performances for the public take place at 11:30 a.m. July 16 & 30, and 4:30 p.m., July 17 and 31. Admission $2.
Inis Acla School of Irish Dance
820 Herbert Rd., Suite 101, Cordova
309-6999 • inisacla.com
Learn the lyrical movement of Irish step dancing. Classes are for children ages 5 to 17, as well as adults. Students have the opportunity to compete in regional and national competitions. Beginner classes start in August.
New Ballet Ensemble & School
2157 York Ave. • 726-9225 • newballet.org
A classically based program for students of dance, New Ballet offers classes for children and adults in creative movement, ballet, flamenco, hip-hop, contemporary dance, and Pilates. New Ballet also offers Beginning Teen for ages 11 to adult. Company instructors are professional artists who perform on the main stage and throughout the community in schools and youth organizations, while recruiting talented children for the core program. Call for information about having the company visit your child’s school. Scholarships available for children who are passionate about dance but unable to pay. New Ballet School students perform each year in the Nut Remix in December at GPAC, as well as annual presentations in October and June.
ART OFFERINGS WITH AREA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENTS
Bartlett Parks and Recreation
Singleton Community Center, 7266 Third Rd. • 385-5593 • cityofbartlett.org
Bartlett Parks and Recreation offers a variety of activities through the year, including preschool programs, home-school classes, arts and crafts, dance, hobbies, and music lessons. Singleton Day Camp is offered June thru August for kids ages 6 to 12.
Collierville Community Center
440 W. Powell Rd.• 457-2770
colliervilleparks.org
The Collierville center holds classes in art, music, and the performing arts. Summer day camps and performing arts camps also available.
Germantown Parks and Recreation
2276 West St. • 757-7375 or 757-7376
germantown-tn.gov
Germantown provides a variety of music, art and dance classes for children. Art Fun, a summer camp session for ages 4 to 6, is held July 22-26 at Germantown’s Municipal Park. Kids discover drawing, painting and other engaging art media in this delightful art adventure.
City of Memphis Community Centers
353-9532 or 789-5665 • parks.memphistn.gov
Each community center offers classes, programs, and events in five core services: health, fitness, and wellness; educational development and training; cultural arts; dance and music expression; and character building and social development.
MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS
The Children’s Museum of Memphis
2525 Central Ave. • 458-2678 • cmom.com
Plenty of adventures await children in this hands-on, interactive museum. There’s a flight simulator, air traffic control tower, hot air balloon, wind tunnel, real airplane cockpit, 50-foot model of the Mississippi River, two live honeybee colonies, stage to become a “star,” an art studio, real fire engine and sheriff’s car, and more.
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens
4339 Park Ave. • 761-5250 • dixon.org
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, a former private residence situated on 17 acres of gardens, features a permanent collection of French and American Impressionists art and German porcelain. The Dixon hosts a family concert by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra in the fall. A summer camp for ages 6 to 12, Paint It! Plant It!, July 27-31 combines art and horticulture activities. A Mini-Masters class is offered Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for kids ages 2 to 4. Reservations required. Free admission on Saturday morning, with children’s storytime at 10:30 a.m.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
1934 Poplar Ave. • 544-6200
brooksmuseum.org
The Brooks is Tennessee’s largest fine-arts museum, housing an outstanding collection of fine art and hosting world-class traveling exhibitions. The Brooks presents Family Days through the year along with special exhibits including free admission, hands-on activities, and live entertainment. Upcoming exhibits include “The Prints of Jacob Lawrence, 1963-2000,” and “Masterpieces of European Painting from Museo de Arte de Ponce.”
Gallery at Memphis College of Art
Overton Park – 1930 Poplar Ave. • 272-5100
mca.edu
Memphis College of Art hosts 10-12 free art exhibitions for the public annually, along with visiting artist lectures. Various summer art camps for children ages 5-16 run during June and July featuring courses in Drawing, Sculpture Safari, Art2Wear, and Comic Book Design.
National Ornamental Metal Museum
374 Metal Museum Dr. • 774-6380
metalmuseum.org
Exhibits at the National Ornamental Metal Museum celebrate the creativity and versatility of metalwork. Children can observe craftsmen at the blacksmith shop, which is open daily, check out Repair Day Weekend in October, or ask about scheduling swordmaking demonstrations for the CLUE club. Grounds are also available for birthday party rentals. The Metal Museum remains the nation’s only museum dedicated solely to the preservation and advancement of metalwork.
Memphis Pink Palace Museum
3050 Central • 320-6320
memphismuseums.org
At the fascinating Pink Palace Museum, families learn about the magic and mysteries of the Mississippi Delta, Clarence Saunders and his revolutionizing of the grocery industry, the birth of Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll music, and so much more. Now through Sept. 20, enjoy the “Dinosaurs and Sea Monsters” exhibit. Other upcoming exhibits include “On Track in Memphis” (model trains), October 2009 ; “Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees,” Nov. 21-Dec. 31; and “Chocolate,” Jan. 30-April 25. IMAX films include Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk, through Nov. 13, and Santa vs. the Snowman, Nov. 14-Dec. 31.
Bartlett Community Theatre
484-2646 • bartlettcommunitytheatre.org
This volunteer organization performs four shows annually. Next up is the Shakespeare classic Much Ado About Nothing, July 24-Aug. 2, followed by the hilarious A Tuna Christmas, Dec. 17-20.
COMMUNITY THEATRES
DeSoto Family Theatre
8710 Northwest Dr., Suite 303, Southaven, MS (662) 280-6546 • dftonline.org
The DeSoto Family Theatre offers musical theater with a variety of family shows including The Diary of Anne Frank, Oct. 16-25, and The Wizard of Oz, Dec. 4-13. Performances take place at the DeSoto Civic Center Theatre at I-55 and Church Road. Educational programs include student matinees and summer theater day camps for ages 5 to 18.
Germantown Community Theatre
3037 Forest Hill Irene • 754-2680
germantowncommunitytheatre.org
GCT’s 2009-2010 season performance calendar includes Is He Dead?, Sept. 11-17; Gorey Stories, Oct 16- Nov. 1; Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, Dec. 4-20; The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (daytime only), Dec. 1-18; Visiting Mr. Green, Jan. 15-31; Over the Tavern, Feb. 26-Mar. 14; Charlotte’s Web, April 9-25; and Guys and Dolls, May 28-June 13. Summer camps and classes during the school year are also offered.
Harrell Performing Arts Theatre
440 West Powell Rd., Collierville • 853-3228
colliervilleparks.org
The Harrell Theatre performs family-oriented musicals throughout the year. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes the stage July 16–26. Shows are presented Thursday through Sunday.
Theatre Memphis
630 Perkins Ext. • 682-8323
theatrememphis.org
Theatre Memphis, one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the country, has an exciting lineup of family-friendly shows during the 2009-2010 season. The Sound of Music is performed Aug. 21-Sept. 13; A Christmas Carol, Dec. 4-23; Driving Miss Daisy, April 30-May 16; and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, June 4-29. Theatre Memphis’ education department, ShoWagon, offers KidsWagon throughout the year for children ages 5 to 12, which meets on Saturdays and teaches all aspects of theatre. Drama camps are also available during the summer.
PERFORMING ARTS VENUES
Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center
3663 Appling Rd., Bartlett • 385-6440
bpacc.org
BPACC’s 2009-2010 season lineup of Family Series shows includes Classical Piano Showcase, Oct. 10; Jack and the Beanstalk, Nov. 7; The Memphis Youth Symphony, Feb. 21; King Arthur’s Quest, March 6; and the Bartlett Community Concert Band, April 9. To find out more about other series shows, visit BPACC on the Web.
Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
St. Mary’s Episcopal School, 60 Perkins Ext. 537-1483 • buckmanartscenter.com
The Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center is dedicated to excellence in the arts and arts education. The Magic Carpet Ride series allows children ages 2 and older to explore the musical traditions, dance, visual art and indigenous stories of some of the world’s most exciting locales. The four-show series takes flight Sept. 12 and runs through April 14. Families will also enjoy the high-octane performances of the 2009-2010 season which include the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats, Oct. 24; TU Dance, Jan. 29; and Circus Incognitus, March 27. The newly expanded Buckman Conservatory also offers classes in string, yoga, youth dance, ballet, and the visual arts.
Germantown Performing Arts Centre
1801 Exeter Rd., Germantown • 751-7500
gpacweb.com
GPAC presents world-class artists and a variety of performances that will delight audiences of all ages. Family-friendly program offerings for the 2009-2010 season include the 85-member Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company in a spectacular mix of colorful costumes and brilliant folk dance Oct. 18. The Moscow Festival Ballet performs the comic ballet Coppélia Jan. 3, about a doll who seemingly comes to life, with a special Coppélia Tea Party prior to the performance. Raggs the dog and his internationally known Kids Club Band in their Live Dance Party Tour Jan. 31. And TAO: The Martial Art of Drumming explodes on stage on March 5 in an exciting performance exhibiting the extraordinary precision and energy of Taiko drumming.
The widely acclaimed “Peanut Butter and Jam Sessions,” which introduce children ages 3 to 8 to a wide variety of musical instruments and styles, returns for its 14th season with sessions at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. on select Saturdays. Ticket prices are $8 for children, free for parents.
Germantown Symphony Orchestra
GPAC 1801 Exeter • 755-8708
germantownsymphony.org
The Germantown Symphony Orchestra (GSO) performs its annual Holiday and Spring concerts at the Germantown Performing Arts Center and has several programs that feature local youth performers. The GSO sponsors an annual concerto competition for Memphis area youth in March. Four competition winners perform in the Young Artists’ Concert, held in November.
The Orpheum
203 South Main • Info 525-7800, or Tickets
525-3000 • orpheum-memphis.com
The city’s original downtown theater, this venue presents Broadway musicals along with a variety of family-friendly programs. The 2009-2010 Broadway season includes productions of Cirque Dreams: Holidaze, Nov. 17-22; The Wizard of Oz, Dec. 15-20; and South Pacific, March 23-28. During the summer, classic films run Friday nights at 7:15 p.m., such as The Wizard of Oz, Aug. 14.
The 2009-2010 Family Series features Peter and the Wolf performed by ChildsPlay Theatre, Nov. 11; Mad Science Presents CSI: Live, Nov. 24; Chasing George Washington performed by Kennedy Center for Young Audiences, Dec. 1; Harold and the Purple Crayon performed by Enchantment Theatre, Jan. 22; Most Valuable Player presented by Dallas Children’s Theatre, Feb. 16; A Year With Frog and Toad presented by Work Light Productions, Mar. 3; and Strega Nona, presented by Active Arts Theatre, March 30. Family Series shows start at 6 p.m.
The 2009-2010 Student Matinee Series will include the shows above and Marlee Matlin’s Nobody’s Perfect performed by Kennedy Center for Young Audiences, April 7. Student Matinee Series shows start at 10 a.m.
Playhouse on the Square/The Circuit Playhouse
51 S. Cooper • 726-4656
playhouseonthesquare.org
Playhouse on the Square and The Circuit Playhouse, Memphis’ only professional resident theatres, offer great family features. Family-oriented shows for the 2009-2010 season include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Aug. 7-Sept. 6; Narnia, Nov. 6- Dec. 22; The Toymaker’s Apprentice, Oct. 30-Dec. 22; The Santaland Diaries, Nov. 20- Dec. 22; and Oliver! May 14-June 6.
MUSIC AND DANCE GROUPS
Ballet Memphis
7950 Trinity Rd. • 737-7322
balletmemphis.org
Now in its 23rd season, the nationally acclaimed Ballet Memphis employs 15 professional dancers, trains more than 600 students annually, and tours to local schools and performs for more than 15,000 students each year. The 2009-2010 season includes The Wizard of Oz, Nov. 7-8, Orpheum; Nutcracker, Dec. 11-13, Orpheum; Abundance: Joyful Noise, Feb. 26-March 7; Connections: Body & Soul, March 27-28; and Sleeping Beauty, April 24-May 2, Playhouse on the Square.
The Iris Chamber Orchestra
GPAC 1801 Exeter • 751-7510
irisorchestra.com
The IRIS Orchestra gathers the nation’s finest young musicians to perform under the artistic direction of Maestro Michael Stern. Here is a wonderful way to introduce everyone in the family to the joys of music. The 2009-2010 schedule includes violinists Midori and Korbinian Altenberger, Oct. 3; pianist Jeremy Denk,
Nov. 14; soprano Dawn Upshaw, Jan. 9; The Symphonic Quartet, Feb. 27; and violinist Jennifer Koh, March 20.
Germantown Chorus
383-2051 • germantownchorus.com
This all-volunteer ensemble presents a diverse assortment of choral works from show tunes to world music. The Germantown Symphony Orchestra joins Germantown Chorus for a holiday concert in December and again in March for a classical concert. Other events are held throughout the year, including an annual Youth Concert Series in April featuring a performing arts group from an area school.
Memphis Symphony Orchestra
585 S. Mendenhall Rd. • 537-2525
memphissymphony.org
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra creates meaningful experiences through music for adults and children. MSO musicians teach, mentor, and entertain students from public and private schools, and perform concerts at different venues around town, including the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Germantown Performing Arts Centre, area libraries, colleges, and Dixon Gallery. The 2009-2010 season features an exciting lineup of musical programs. Among the guest artists joining the MSO are Memphis filmmaker Craig Brewer, mezzo-soprano Marietta Simpson, cellist Julie Albers, violinist Karen Gomyo, pianist Kirill Gerstein, and more.
Opera Memphis
Clark Opera Memphis Center, 6745 Wolf River Pkwy. • 257-3100
operamemphis.org
Opera Memphis presents interactive operatic programs and performances throughout the year to schools and community groups, including a Black Roots of Song program, Songwriting program, and Artist-In-Residence tour. Summer programs include Junior Opera Conservatory and Senior Opera Conservatory. Campers explore all areas of opera production including voice and acting coaching sessions, staging and production design. Each camp concludes with the performance of an opera for kids, or scenes from several popular operas. Camp auditions are held in the spring. The 2009-2010 season begins with Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte at Germantown Performing Arts Center, followed by Gluck’s Orpheus at the Clark Opera Memphis Center and Puccini’s Madame Butterfly at the Orpehum. Season subscription packages start at $36.