Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film features highlights from two of Disney’s most extraordinary and groundbreaking animated features, Fantasia (1940), and its sequel Fantasia 2000 (1999).
Classical selections include Beethoven’s “The Pastoral Symphony,” Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” Ponchielli’s “Dance of the Hours,” Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” Respighi’s “Pines of Rome,” and Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” and more.
Released to great acclaim in 1940, Walt Disney’s Fantasia was his boldest experiment at the time and culminated in the creative visionary’s desire to blend animated imagery with classical music. The original recording of the film’s score was conducted by Leopold Stokowski with the Philadelphia Orchestra, captured in stereophonic sound, which was still an experimental medium at the time. What had begun as a vehicle to develop Mickey Mouse’s career with an animation short titled “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” went on to become a genuine cinema classic.
Walt’s dream in 1941 was to turn Fantasia into an ongoing event with new segments. This was finally realized in 1999 with Fantasia 2000, a spectacular follow-up spearheaded by Walt’s nephew, Roy E. Disney. The recorded score from Fantasia 2000 was conducted by James Levine and performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
XIAN ZHANG Music Director, The Jaqua Foundation Chair
FIRST VIOLIN SECOND VIOLIN VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO BASS FLUTE | PICCOLO OBOE ENGLISH HORN/OBOE CLARINET E-FLAT CLARINET BASSOON HORN TRUMPET TROMBONE BASS TROMBONE TUBA TIMPANI PERSONNEL LIBRARIAN * Colton Fellow for the 2025-26 season |
Program and artists are subject to change. The use of fl ash bulbs, cameras, or recording equipment during the concert is strictly prohibited. All staff and patrons must follow the health and safety guidelines of the venue. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the management. Food and beverages may not be taken into the auditorium. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building. Fire notice: The red exit sign nearest your seat is the shortest route outside. The management is not responsible for personal property of patrons.
Made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Musicians and Librarians employed by the New Jersey Symphony are members of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.
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Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com
