Come On Down, Mini Maestros!

DETROIT, IL. (Top40 Charts/ Detroit Symphony Orchestra) - WHAT: Prior to the DSO's "All Beethoven" concert this Saturday, several metro Detroit children will receive the conducting lesson of a lifetime from the legendary Leonard Slatkin. Selected in a contest sponsored by WWJ-AM 950, these children, ages 7-16, will experience a 30-minute tutorial from Slatkin on stage at Meadow Brook Music Festival. The winners also receive four pavilion tickets to the concert and food vouchers. The 8 p.m. concert features Slatkin leading the DSO in some of Beethoven's greatest works, including Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor with soloist Janina Fialkowska.

The following night, Sunday, July 29, music from the classic film The Sound of Music comes alive onstage with the DSO and the von Trapp Children, the great-grandchildren of the family featured in the 1964 movie. Highlights of the family-friendly concert will include such timeless songs as "Do Re Mi," "My Favorite Things" and "The Lonely Goatherd."

*Children ages 12 and receive free admission to the lawn at Meadow Brook!!

WHERE: Meadow Brook Music Festival, Rochester Hills

CONDUCTOR LESSON & REHEARSALS: (media welcome, please RSVP for details):

"All Beethoven" rehearsal, Sat. July 28, 3:30-6 p.m.

Conductor lesson with Leonard Slatkin, Sat. July 28 at 6:15 p.m.

"The Von Trapp Children" rehearsal, Sun., July 29, 3:30-6 p.m.

CONCERTS: "All Beethoven" - July 28 at 8 p.m. "The Hills are Alive with the Von Trapps - July 29 at 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: Tickets for DSO Meadow Brook concerts can be purchased at Palacenet.com, the Palace Box Office and all Ticketmaster centers. Tickets may be charged by phone by calling (248) 645-6666. Special group discounts are available by calling the Group Sales office at (248) 371-2055. Prices range from $15 to $50. Children 12 and under get in free on the lawn for the von Trapp Children concert on July 29.

CONTACT: Scott Roush - (313) 576-5158, sroush@dso.org