FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WSO performs The Snowman & The Bear at heartwarming Kids Concert, Nov. 22 Winnipeg, MB — Nov 17, 2015 — On Sunday, Nov 22, The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will warm up the Centennial Concert Hall with two classic holiday films, The Snowman and The Bear. While this double-feature screens, the WSO will play the scores live underneath. The films are based on Raymond Brigg’s famous storybooks of the same name. The Snowman tells the tale of a boy who builds a snowman that magically comes to life. Overnight, they adventure through the boy’s house until they make it outside, riding a motorcycle and flying over the boy’s town, before landing at a party with snowmen and Santa Claus. The Bear is just as adventurous, but tells the story of a girl and a polar bear from the London Zoo who become acquainted over a lost teddy bear. Together, they meet Ursa Major and bring Christmas displays to life, meeting angels and Father Christmas along the way. Raymond Brigg has gained international recognition in children’s entertainment for his talent as an illustrator, cartoonist, graphic novelist and author. With three children's literary awards under his belt, he is a national treasure in Great Britain. English composer Howard Blake wrote the playful, whimsical scores for The Snowman and The Bear. As the films play, the full-orchestra experience creates an engaging atmosphere for both children and parents. Local soprano Sarah Luby will be featured in Howard Blake's hit song Walking in the Air in The Snowman. One hour before the show during the Pre-Concert Activities, children can visit the Conducting Station where they get the chance to conduct a group of symphony musicians or visit the Instrument Petting Zoo to touch and play the orchestral instruments. They can also participate in musical activities such as crafts, rhythm ensembles and round-singing. The Snowman

Written by Raymond Briggs Original music by Howard Blake Directed by Dianne Jackson and Jimmy T. Murakami Film editing by John Cary Released December 26, 1982 (UK/USA)

The Bear Written by Raymond Briggs; adapted by Hilary Audus and Joanna Harrison Original music by Howard Blake Directed by Hilary Audus Film editing by Taylor Grant Released December 25, 1998 (UK)

Great-West Life Concerts for Kids The Snowman & The Bear Sunday, Nov. 22 – 2:00 p.m. Pre-Concert Activities – 1:00 p.m. Centennial Concert Hall Julian Pellicano, conductor Sarah Luby, soprano 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

The WSO is integral to Winnipeg's rich cultural life, delighting more than 225,000 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.

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MEDIA: For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: Sarah Panas, Marketing & Communications Coordinator p. (204) 949-3970 f. (204) 956-4271 e: spanas@wso.mb.ca