In the Dutchess County Spotlight

If you're looking for something unique for Father's Day, the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra is drumming up a double header event: An Afternoon of Musical Magic for dad and the whole family!

The fun begins at 4pm on Saturday, June 16, when the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra transforms the Rhinebeck High School Auditorium, 45 North Park Road, into a musical instrument petting zoo. Ever wonder what instrument can imitate a quacking duck, or a bellowing elephant or a twittering bird? Well now kids and dads get a chance to hear those sounds first hand. And, just to add to the fun, the family can try out the instruments for themselves. You can even visit Ollivander's Wand Shop where the wand chose's the wizard.

Then at 4:30pm, you'll personally hear the instruments orchestrated into magical music as the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra performs kid-friendly songs from Harry Potter, and the dramatic themes from James Bond.  As part of the matinee performance, internationally renowned harmonica virtuoso, Jia-Yi- He'll demonstrate his mysterious ability to play, one, two, three... FOUR harmonics at one time!

For those who want a double header "Pops for Pops" Father's Day, the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra provides a second special event. How about a trip to jolly ole' England where you don't have to get a plane ticket?

At 7:30 p.m. at the Rhinebeck High School Auditorium, Conductor of the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra, Kathleen Beckman picks up the baton again for more treats for dad: a musical British Invasion. "We want to show the full range of ability NDSO has to connect with all types of audiences. What better time to show how we can celebrate a special occasion with all members of the families, than on Father's day weekend," Beckman said.

Sing along, or dance in the aisles to the sounds of The Beatles, as Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra performs a medley of tunes from the Fab Four, including, "I want to Hold Your Hand," "She Love You," "Yesterday," "Yellow Submarine" and "Yesterday."

This year, the Brits have been the center of global attention with the Olympics, The Royal Wedding and the Diamond Jubilee. In a salute to the British Empire, NDSO takes you on a musical journey with such English favorites as Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado," Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express," adventurous overtures from 007 agent James Bond, and the magical antics of Harry Potter.

As part of a musical key board salute, Broadway actor and Tony nominated pianist, Bob Stillman performs a Noel Coward Cabaret. Coming back for encores will be world class harmonica virtuoso, Jia-Yi-He along with vocalist, Laurie Woolever, who'll captivate the audience with a first class performance that has adefinite British twist.

So this Father's Day treat dad and yourself to a jolly good time with a medley of the best of Britain as the Northern Dutchess Orchestra presents The BRITISH INVASION, Saturday, June 16th at the Rhinebeck High School Auditorium at 45 North Park Road in Rhinebeck, 12572.

Tickets for the Father's Special are on sale now. Special pricing for the Afternoon of Musical Magic concert: tickets are $15; kids are $5, and a Family Pass is $25.  For British Invasion, tickets are $20, seniors are $15, and student tickets are $5. Tickets can be purchased in advance on NDSO website, www.ndsorchestra.org or call 845-635-0877.

The Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit organization formed in 2006 with the mission of bringing live orchestral music to Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley. The orchestra membership includes both professional and talented young musicians from the area.