the animal kingdom

A joyful classical favorite for adults and children alike, Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs Saint-Saens' instantly recognizable Carnival Of The Animals! The Orchestra takes us on a trip to the zoo with this wonderful musical representation of the animal kingdom complete with stomping elephants, majestic swans, high flying birds and the magic of the underwater kingdom, among many more, with narration by Charlotte Blake Alston!

Composed in 1886, Saint-Saens originally meant it to be a practice piece for his students and never published it during his lifetime. The legend of his wonderful private performances endured though, and in 1922, a year after his death, the public got to hear what has become his most enduring work.