On Saturday, July 13 at 11am, The Sherman Library and Sherman Chamber Ensemble present “A Children’s Concert” for families and kids of all ages at the Sherman Public Library Barn, 1 Sherman Center, Sherman.

The afternoon program celebrates summer with musical retellings of favorite stories like Ferdinand the Bull, fun sing-alongs like the Alligator Song and a special look at works by the masters.

A highlight will be an interpretation of the classic story, “Ferdinand the Bull” set to original music composed by artistic director, Eliot Bailen. Susan Rotholz (flute) will narrate the story and be accompanied by Bailen on cello.

Written in 1936, by American author Munro Leaf, “Ferdinand the Bull” tells the classic story of a peaceful bull who only wants to smell the flowers in the meadow. But after accidently sitting on a bumblebee, he goes into a rampage, knocking other bulls out and crashing a tree to the ground. Mistaken as brave and fearless he is picked to fight in the bullrings.

However, Ferdinand was not interested in fighting; only in admiring the beautiful flowers thrown into the ring. So, he was taken back home where he once again could sit under his favorite tree and smell the flowers.

Bailen said the program will present classical music in a format that is both intimate and inspiring for children and their parents, and continues a long-standing partnership between the Library, the greater community and the Ensemble.

Christine Ranno, Library Coordinator of Children’s Services, said, “How many chances does a child have to be this close t
o a cello or violin and such expert musicians? It could truly be a life experience for them.”

A Meet and Greet Reception with the artists will follow. Admission is free to the public. The program is sponsored by the Kemp Mandeville Children’s Educational Fund of the Sherman Chamber Ensemble and the Sherman Library.

Call 860-354-2455, email SLKIDS@biblio.org or visit ShermanLibrary.org for more program information. For more about the Sherman Chamber Ensemble visit ShermanChamberEnsemble.org. Subject to seating availability, walk-ins will be welcome.

About The SCE

World Class Music, Close to Home for over 30 Years. Founded in 1982 by cellist Eliot Bailen, Artistic Director, and flutist Susan Rotholz, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble offers a year-round schedule of performances for all ages at venues in Connecticut and New York. Guided by its mission to bring world class musicians to our communities and schools to perform a diverse range of music wit
h an approach that is intimate and inclusive, The New York Times described SCE as “about as close as it gets to the Platonic ideal of a chamber music concert.”

SCE offers Baroque programs, a summer chamber music series, educational activities and a year-round slate of musical events showcasing the best of live musical performance, from classical to bluegrass to jazz – plus childre
n’s and family concerts, school residencies and pop/rock coffeehouses. In addition to concert subscription and ticket sales, support for the 2018 season comes from private foundations, local businesses and many generous individual donors.

By Liba Furhman