Tunisian-born, Canadian-American composer Karim Al-Zand’s Parizade and the Singing Tree is a magical work based upon a Middle Eastern folk tale and featuring a female protagonist. The Festival commissioned Al-Zand to fully orchestrate the work for its 2018 premiere, featuring the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra conducted by Cristian Măcelaru, and narrated by Nora el-Samahy. This virtual premiere is illustrated by 9-year-old Beni Măcelaru, adding a vibrant young interpretation to the storyline that is sure to capture the imagination of children.
This family-friendly adventure includes a self-guided Tour of the Orchestra—with a welcome by Beni Măcelaru and his sister Maria—in which Festival musicians introduce their instruments to kids and their families—in charming and amusing ways.