The Santa Barbara Chamber Players invites local families to an afternoon of music, imagination and discovery, 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 at First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance Ave.

Led by Maestro Michael Nowak, the concert, called Music Takes Flight, will introduce young listeners to the orchestra.

“Nowak will conduct a live performance, which will accompany a multimedia presentation that documents the history of flight and promises to transport attendees to other worlds,” organizers said.

The program is designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, combining familiar melodies with great works of classical music, film music, jazz, and songs that have captured the imagination of generations.

Children will have an opportunity to learn about the instruments of the orchestra during an introduction featuring “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

The program includes selections from Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Gustav Holst, Ravel, and John Williams.

Bart Howard’s “Fly Me to the Moon” will feature jazz improvisation with vocalist Inga Swearingen and string bassist Ken Husted.

The concert concludes with “When You Wish Upon a Star,” with music by Leigh Harline and lyrics by Ned Washington, featuring vocalist Swearingen.

“The song’s message of imagination, dreams and possibility provides a fitting finale to an afternoon designed to inspire young listeners,” organizers said.

Following the performance, the Santa Barbara Symphony Music Van will be on hand, allowing children to see and try musical instruments and discover what it is like to make music.

The instrument exploration station is provided by the Santa Barbara Symphony’s Music Van Program.

The Santa Barbara Chamber Players thanks sponsors Santa Barbara Bowl and the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation who have made the concert possible for the community.
 
Tickets are $10, free for those 18 and younger. Visit sbchamberplayers.org for tickets and more information.