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Lynnea Iverson Schmitz of Grand Rapids, Minn., treated her middle school choir students to the 

 new recording of the classic musical story “

” based on the work by Sergei Prokofiev.

“It was nice, I think, for my kids to see that COVID can’t stop music,” said Iverson Schmitz.

It’s a message for everyone, and so is the performance.

In the video-on-demand, Itasca Strings director Pedro Oviedo introduces the story’s cast. Each character, animal or human, is represented by its own instrument playing a different theme. With the help of narrator Steve Jaeger of the 

, the musicians tell the story of Peter and the animals’ encounters with the wolf.

The 37-minute performance is available on the 

When painter Marlon Davidson moved to Bemidji, Minn., in 1987, one of the first artists he met was 

The egg tempera painter has been “a very big influence in my life,” Davidson said. 

Egg tempera is an ancient form of painting that builds luminous color through repeated application, and Davidson calls Kaul a master of the difficult form.

Kaul’s bright paintings on 12-by-12 panels are loaded with story and metaphor. Davidson also appreciates Kaul’s books. The two most recent “strikingly beautiful books” are a collaboration with poet Taiju Geri Wilimek.

Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. If there’s a Minnesota artist or show you’d like to talk about, let us know! Follow this 

Emily Bright

Author

The Reif Center for the Performing Arts in Grand Rapids hosts a new performance of “Peter and the Wolf.”

The Reif Center for the Performing Arts in Grand Rapids hosts a new performance of “Peter and the Wolf” and an appreciation for a Bemidji master of egg tempera painting.

Art Hounds: Metaphorical art and storytelling classical music

"Crow Builds The Most Beautiful Nest" by artist Marley Kaul. 

Courtesy of Marley Kaul

"Fresh And Faded Memories" by artist Marley Kaul. 

Art Hounds: Metaphorical art and storytelling classical music

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