The Carnival of the Animals Comes to the Children of New York City

March 23, 2002

The Carnival of the Animals program cover by Eileen Moon and Rebecca Young

Musicians from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, animals from the "Just Strays" rescue league, and officers of the New York City Police Department came together with Communities in Schools, New York at St. Peter's Lutheran Church to entertain and educate the children of New York City.

Approximately 300 students from schools across the city enjoyed a special presentation of Camille Saint-Saëns' The Carnival of the Animals by volunteer musicians from the Philharmonic. The concert was followed by an educational animal fair featuring an NYPD rescue dog and horses, parrots, rescued stray cats, and a python.

Students and families who attended the event came from PS 30 Bronx, PS 59 Manhattan, PS 108 Manhattan, Central Park East II Manhattan, St. Anthony's School, and the Administration for Children's Services. All children received special books about music, animal crackers, and juice to take home as gifts.

The Carnival of the Animals was made possible through the generous contributions of Margaretta Taylor and Family, The New York City Police Department, The Grammy Foundation, Animal General at Lincoln Square, The Artemis Project/Just Strays, and St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Communities in Schools, New York, collaborated with these groups to produce the event.

Philharmonic xylophonist Pablo Rieppi performs Saint-Saëns' "Fossils" movement.

Dorian Rence, Philharmonic violist and The Artemis Project founder, composed a brand-new narration for Saint-Saëns' music. "I redid the narrative so that it would, in an entertaining and funny way, expose children to classical music and educate them on the humane treatment of animals," said Ms. Rence.

Ms. Rence founded The Artemis Project as an extension of Just Strays, a Westchester-based animal rescue league. The project aims to control and reduce the number of stray animals through trapping, spaying or neutering, and then releasing the animals or placing them in homes. The project also educates children in the humane treatment of animals, part of the New York State educational standards.

Communities in Schools, New York is planning to work with The Artemis Project in producing another musical performance-also featuring animals-next fall. The upcoming performance may feature an original musical composition based on Aesop's fable, "Androcles and the Lion."

The greatest accolades for the event came from the families themselves. "My family and I really enjoyed Carnival of the Animals," said Elisa Bernadin, who attended the event with her husband and four children. "The kids could not stop talking about it," she added. "They liked learning facts about the animals and being able to touch and hold them! As parents it was not only refreshing to see the children enjoying themselves, but it was entertaining and educational. The Orchestra was wonderful and the kids gained a greater appreciation for classical music."