The Story

The Mysterious Maestro is a concert-story about a little girl who loves to sing… who moves to a town where music is forbidden: a town named Hamelin, about thirty years after the infamous Pied Piper has led all of Hamelin’s children away. Hannah breaks this musical silence with the help of a gossipy rat and her own passion for grand music. Eventually, she melts the heart of a desperate conductor and frees his imprisoned orchestra. Music is restored to Hamelin, and the orchestra regains its central part in the town’s new life.

Fuelled by the music of Verdi, Mendelssohn, Liszt and Villa-Lobos, as well as original compositions by Canadians Dave Pierce and Donovan Seidle, The Mysterious Maestro races through dark nights and hidden caverns, and explores the nature of musical perfection… and obsession. This is a bewitching concert featuring great music and top-notch performances. Puppets and the Maestro's carved hands by The Old Trout Puppet Workshop.

Educational Component (Optional, But Recommended)

The educational component for this show is currently in development please contact Doug McKeag for more details.

Doug McKeag:

• Phone: (403) 234-0768
• Fax:(403) 234-0767
• Email: Doug McKeag

Musical Repertoire

All selections listed below have been newly orchestrated for a 52(+) piece orchestra. Each part is bound in its own complete book.

• Verdi: Overture "The Force of Destiny"
• Villa-Lobos: Bachianis Brasileiras No.5 Aria [Live vocal by Onalea Gilbertson as Hannah]
• Massenet: Thais, “Meditation"
• Pierce/Seidle, McKeag/Gilbertson: "Hannah's Song" **[Vocal Onalea]
• Waldteufel: "Estudiantina"
• Ippolitov-Ivanov: Caucasian Sketches, "Procession of the Sardars"
• Saint-Saens: "Danse Macabre"
• Seidle: "Frantic Forest Frenzy"**
• Liszt: "Les Preludes"
• Seidle: " Perfect Music – Breaking the Spell" **[Vocal Onalea]
• Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 "Reformation"
• Beethoven: "Ode to Joy"

** Original Canadian Composition Commissioned by Dandi Productions

Instrumentation

• 2 Flutes
• 2 Oboes
• 2 Clarinets
• 2 Bassoons
• 4 Horns
• 2 Trumpets
• 3 Trombones
• Tuba
• Timpani
• 2 Percussion
• Harp
• Strings (extra parts by request)

Technical Information

This production contains several technical elements, including lighting, amplified voices, choreography, puppetry, and interaction with the audience.

• Onstage, we require approximately 8-10 feet of playing area downstage of the orchestra, and a clear stage to both wings. The actors will travel backstage around the orchestra.

• In the Stage Right and Left Wings, quick change areas are necessary. A table and chair are required, and a mirror Stage Left.

• NOTE: The actors' voices will be amplified, so 3 wireless body mics (Lavs) must be provided by the orchestra or venue, along with a sound operator. They should be of the clip-on variety, not Madonna-style. The artists will provide mic belts.

• The conductor will require a monitor to hear the actors' voices.

• Two lockable dressing rooms, with easy access to a washroom, are required.

• A simple lighting plan and cue list will be forwarded as necessary, consisting of downstage specials, a general blue wash, and a two colour wash on the orchestra.

• The orchestra will require stand lights.

• A stage manager is required, to call the lighting cues. Everything else is provided by the troupe.

• Lighting and sound operators are also required, and a stage manager to call cues, and must be present at rehearsal.

• Dandi's tech liaison will be available the day before the performance and/or 1 1/2 hours preceding the rehearsal to meet with the stage crew/technicians and help with the techinical set up, as required.

• Sound is required at the rehearsal, as well as lighting elements.

Publicity

View and print the following PDF files:

• Sample Press Release
• Biographies
• Hi-Res Promotional images (150 ppi)
• Press Clippings

Booking

Discounts are available for additional Education shows or for booking additional education shows during the week when booking a family concert.

To book The Mysterious Maestro and to inquire about the music rental - please contact Dandi Productions Artistic Director Doug McKeag.

Doug McKeag:

• Phone: (403) 234-0768
• Fax:(403) 234-0767
• Email: Doug McKeag