About
Join us for a morning of bringing images to life through orchestral music at FirstOntario Concert Hall.
For years, Pictures at an Exhibition has been a music educator favourite in classrooms. This programmatic work uses the artistic practice of ekphrasis, or art in response to another work of art. Inspired by Modest Mussorgsky’s visit to an art exhibit in memory of his long time friend, the artist Victor Hartmann who tragically died in his early thirties, Mussorgsky was so moved by the works of art, that he wrote Pictures at an Exhibition, in response. Mussorgsky’s original composition then was arranged by Maurice Ravel for orchestra. Through this music, your students will hear these images come to life.
Many different instruments take the lead in this piece, enabling students to deep-dive into the instrument families in the orchestra. With an integrated visual component, the concert will also appeal to a wide variety of learners.
Pre-Concert lesson plans will be sent to teachers approximately one month before the concert, so that teachers can make curricular connections for their students. Although all are welcome, this program is best suited to junior and intermediate students.
To book this concert for your class, please contact Music Education Manager Megan Benjafield at mbenjafield@hpo.org.
We are dedicated to serving Hamilton’s high-priority schools, and providing access to our programming to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a concert. We have a limited amount of complementary tickets available to schools with this designation. Please reach out to our Education Manager with your request.