Oregon Symphony plays Disney

Published 4:00 am Friday, November 9, 2012

This Thanksgiving, the Oregon Symphony is celebrating the wonderful world of Disney.

Featuring singers, a full orchestra, film clips, animation and original storyboard art, “Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies” runs Nov. 24 at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland and Nov. 25 at Willamette University in Salem.

Between 1984 and 1994, the animation studios of Walt Disney produced a staggering number of hits, from “The Little Mermaid” to “Beauty and the Beast” to “The Lion King.” According to the documentary “Waking Sleeping Beauty,” this period is known as the Disney Renaissance.

“The era from 1984 to 1994 was more akin to a gasoline fire,” said documentary director Don Hahn in a news release. “It was a time of high productivity, stressful debate on every creative grain of the movie, and intense pressure to out-do the last accomplishment. It was chaotic, exhausting and thrilling.”

At the heart of these films were memorable scores and songs by award-winning composers such as Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Elton John. Songs include “Under the Sea,” “Be Our Guest” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”

The Oregon Symphony will perform medleys of some of the best-known and best-loved songs from this era, with original storyboard artwork and video from the classic films projected above them.

The program is for all ages. Organizers hope that audiences will “relive the enchanting soundtrack of childhood,” according to the event’s news release.

Ticket prices for the Portland show range from $25 to $79, plus service fees, depending on seat location. For tickets and more information, visit www.orsymphony.org or call 800-228-7343. Ticket prices for the Salem show range from $35 to $50, depending on seat location. For more information, contact 503-364-0149.

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