Imaginative, powerful finale to the Cape Symphony 2022/23 Season
HYANNIS, MA—April 18, 2023
Inspired by the colorful symphonic masterpiece Scheherazade by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, the Cape Symphony under the direction of Artistic Director & Conductor Jung-Ho Pak will reimagine the empowering art of storytelling through the lens of female voices with Storytellers on May 13 and 14, 2023.
Scheherazade is a symphonic suite based on the tales from One Thousand and One Nights, also known as The Arabian Nights, a collection of stories that include the adventures of Aladdin and Sinbad the Sailor. This classic favorite is famous for big, bold sonic colors and sweeping melodies, and features the violin as the imaginative storyteller Scheherazade herself. The orchestra will perform this popular masterpiece in four movements that embody what Rimsky-Korsakov called “fairy-tale wonders.”
“I was inspired by the legendary character of Scheherazade, whose story has become a symbol of the power of storytelling and the ability to change even the cruelest of hearts,” said Jung-Ho Pak. “I wanted to give a voice to contemporary female storytellers, so we’ve collaborated with some amazing women to create this imaginative show.”
The Cape Symphony commissioned the Iranian composer Niloufar Shiri to create a new and updated “Scheherazade” story from a woman's point of view. Her piece, entitled "Within My Soul: Scheherazade Reimagined," connects Scheherazade with the stories of contemporary women. With the orchestra, Niloufar will perform this world premiere on the kamāncheh, a traditional Iranian string instrument.
For the first time, the Cape Symphony is working with the renowned public radio program The Moth for “Today’s Storyteller: A Collaboration with the Moth.” Since its launch in 1997, The Moth, produced in Woods Hole and New York City, has presented thousands of stories told in front of live audiences around the country. Many are familiar with The Moth through the Peabody Award-winning The Moth Radio Hour, which airs on over 500 stations nationwide including Cape Cod’s NPR station CAI.
“Today’s Storyteller” will feature award-winning writer Wang Ping. A recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, Ping was born in Shanghai, China. She will share her Moth piece, "The Book War," about how she survived the oppression of the Chinese cultural revolution by starting a banned book club. Ping will be accompanied by the Cape Symphony performing an original score by Chinese-American composer Laura Fan.
Please note that students ages six to 22 years are eligible for 50% off individual ticket prices to all Cape Symphony concerts.
The Cape Symphony is proud to present Storytellers on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 14 at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis. To purchase tickets, visit capesymphony.org, call the Box Office at 508-362-1111, email
Media Contact:
Ellen Cliggott, Public Relations & Marketing Writer
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About Cape Symphony
At the Cape Symphony, our mission is to Inspire Joy. We do this through outstanding entertainment and educational programs. Cape Cod’s very own professional orchestra, the Cape Symphony, performs at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis. From popular hits to magnificent classics, highlighting hidden gems and putting a new twist on standards, the emphasis is always on fun, surprises, and beautiful music. The Cape Symphony commitment to education for all ages includes private lessons, classes and ensembles at campuses in Barnstable and Falmouth as well as online. Its acclaimed preschool program is known for blending traditional academics with the arts. Through community outreach, the Cape Symphony brings an array of engaging programs to the Cape Cod community. Visit www.capesymphony.org for more information.
