‘Peter and the Wolf’ to pack Regatta Park

The Siletz Bay Music Festival will present Prokofiev’s much-beloved “Peter and the Wolf” at a free family concert in Lincoln City’s Regatta Park this Saturday, Aug. 23.

Based on a Russian folk tale, the piece was composed as a symphonic tale for children but is enjoyed equally by adult. The story is related by a narrator, with each character represented by a different instrument.

In Saturday’s performance, the music will be performed by a wind quintet featuring Amelia Lukas on flute, Sam Rockwood on oboe, Ricky Smith on clarinet, Michael Hettwer on horn and Ben Greanya on bassoon.

Lincoln City actor and middle school student Thayer Kaiser will narrate the story and festival conductor Johann Stuckenbruck will conduct the performance.

“The concert will be delightful,” Stuckenbruck said. “Prokofiev wrote so specifically about the character of each of the animals in the story and it‘s wonderful for the musicians to be able to lean into those parts. We have some wonderful musicians and it’s going to be great fun.”

Prokofiev’s sophisticated score can be enjoyed even through repeated hearings. And the story’s moral, “you can't be a hero if you don't take risks” is timeless and universal.

The great sloping lawn facing the Regatta Park Bandshell offers excellent sightlines and a sweeping backdrop of Devils Lake. Guests are advised to bring a blanket or beach chairs and invited to bring snacks or a picnic lunch.

“Peter and the Wolf” will be presented at 2:30 pm at Regatta Park, located at 2700 NE 14th Street in Lincoln City.

For more information and a schedule of remaining performances, go to siletzbaymusic.org.