FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WSO Presents Disney’s FANTASIA, Live in Concert

Winnipeg, MB – April 22, 2016 – The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) conjures the Sorcerer’s magic to bring Disney’s crown jewels – FANTASIA and FANTASIA 2000 – to Winnipeg audiences. The most iconic classical masterpieces will be performed live by the WSO to accompany timeless animated selections from both films for two performances at the Centennial Concert Hall, April 30-May 1. Concertgoers are in for a nostalgic ride beginning in 1940, when the first FANTASIA was released. FANTASIA is the brainchild of Walt Disney himself and legendary British conductor Leopold Stokowski, who can be seen in silhouette with Mickey Mouse in The Sorcerer's Apprentice. The creative team, including the talents of over a 1,000 artists, musicians and engineers, were behind producing the very first commercial film with “Fantasound,” which is stereophonic sound that is used to create the impression of sound coming from multiple directions.

The goal for FANTASIA was to have an ongoing series of “Concert Features” that would continuously be swapped out for newer segments. But, with the high expense of implementing the “Fantasound” audio systems in theatres, FANTASIA was a stand-alone visionary milestone until Walt’s nephew, Roy E. Disney, initiated the creation of FANTASIA 2000 in 1999.

There are two ways to take in the Disney’s FANTASIA with the WSO - Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 pm is the full two-hour concert, followed by a one-hour Great-West Life Kids Concert on Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 pm.

Musical selections include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Sir Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite, Paul Dukas’ The Sorcerer's Apprentice and more.

Hear FANTASIA and FANTASIA 2000 the way they were meant to be heard - with the score performed live in a perfect marriage of classical music and animation!

SoundBytes Disney FANTASIA: Live in Concert Saturday, April 30 - 7:30 PM Centennial Concert Hall Julian Pellicano, conductor

MUSICIANS IN THE MAKING Pre-concert performance on the Piano Nobile. Saturday, 6:45 PM Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts Tickets are available through the WSO Box Office: 204.949.3999 or wso.ca or Ticketmaster: 1.855.985.ARTS and Ticketmaster.ca

Great-West Life Concerts for Kids Disney FANTASIA: Live in Concert Sunday, May 1 – 2:00 p.m. Pre-Concert Activities – 1:00 p.m. Centennial Concert Hall Julian Pellicano, conductor PRE-CONCERT ACTIVITIES Children can participate in musical activities such as crafts, rhythm ensembles and round-singing. They can visit the Conducting Station where they will get the chance to conduct a group of musicians or visit the Instrument Petting Zoo to touch and play orchestral instruments. These activities are presented in partnership with Music for Young Children. Pre-Concert Activities begin at 1:00 PM. Concerts for Kids Series Sponsor:

Official Media Sponsor of the WSO Kids Concerts:

Pre-Concert Activities Partner:

Instrument Petting Zoo Sponsor:

Tickets start at $15 and are available through the WSO Box Office: 204.949.3999 or wso.ca or Ticketmaster: 1.855.985.ARTS and Ticketmaster.ca

About WSO: The WSO is integral to Winnipeg's rich cultural life, delighting more than 100,000 audience members each year with innovative programming and musical excellence. The WSO presents educational programs for more than 40,000 students annually and tours to communities across Manitoba.

-30- MEDIA: For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Sarah Panas, Marketing & Communications Coordinator p. (204) 949-3970 e: spanas@wso.mb.ca