Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA) will present a series of events in the coming months including concerts, comedy and production classes for children.

The Bainbridge Orchestra will perform its second concert of the season with an evening performance on Saturday, March 17 and an afternoon concert the next day. Led by conductor Kathleen D. Macferran, the program makes a nod at St. Patrick’s Day with Percy Grainger’s Irish Tune from County Derry. Two contrasting “national” styles are explored in Edvard Grieg’s perennially popular Norwegian Dances, Opus 35, and the final movement of Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony, Little Russian.

Also featured are a Sinfonia for strings by Vivaldi and Jacob’s Old Wine in New Bottles for woodwinds and brass. The March concert will highlight the accomplishments of three talented young musicians: Sam McAllister, violin, in Paganini’s Witches Dance; Donna Horning, piano, in a Sonatina by Kuhlau; and Theodora Carson in the first movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major, K. 488.

James A. Quitslund serves as Coordinator of BPA’s Classical Music Program, which includes an expanding venue of BPA musical productions.

Chamber Music will be featured in The Playhouse Lobby on May 13. The Bainbridge Orchestra concludes it’s season June 2 and 3, with Beethoven’s Overture to Prometheus, Dvorak’s Sixth Symphony and performances by five young soloists: Cellists Shea Kenyon, Elliot Pearl-Sacks and Maia Wolf in Paganini’s Witches Dance; Sarah Angel in the Allegro of Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto; and pianist Brittany Stephens in the second movement of Ravel’s Concerto in G.

The Ice Wolf will be presented on March 23 and 24. The BPA Theatre School performance is staged by the High School Production Class.

Directed by BPA Education Director Steven Fogell and Theatre School instructor Joanne Keegan, the story follows Anatou, a blond haired East Coast Hudson Bay Eskimo, as she deals with separatism and the powers of mysticism in a powerful and touching tale. In a culture ruled by spirits, shamans, myth, and superstition, Anatou learns what it is like to be called different. It is recommended for all ages.

HA! Comedy Improv! continues its run, with the next performance scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. Bainbridge Island’s very own improvisation troupe appears on the second Saturday of each month with “Open Improv,” a series of scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions and in keeping with various Improv games.

HA! is directed by Ken Ballenger and produced in conjunction with The EDGE. The troupe provides improvisational comedy for theatre and special events throughout the northwest.

BPA is also pleased to announce Theatre School Summer 2001. BPA’s education department has planned an exciting summer program, with special acting classes for pre-K through 3 centering on the development of drama skills to explore the world of theatre. Inspired by art, music, dance, and costume, students will expand their imagination, share ideas and feelings, and work with an ensemble to bring new characters to life.

The production classes for grades 4-12 encompass a trilogy with spirits, kings, queens, and dragons. The magical world of RavenWood captures a mythological realm filled with a sorcerer’s magic, a queen of light, an evil king, a runaway child, a war of talking spirits, a magic book, and a tree that gave life to them all. The trilogy reveals an unfolding clash between unbearable good and enchanting evil as the characters wind through 150 years in The Tree of Dreams (grades 4-8), Bones of a Dragon (grades 4-8), and Through the Eye of a Sparrow (high school).

All courses focus on the development of self-esteem, effective and caring group skills, and a comfort with and love of the arts. By providing a non-judgmental, positive, and supportive environment, BPA’s Theatre School helps children tap into their own creativity and respect that of others.

Registration for all summer classes is underway now. Scholarships are available, and classes fill quickly. Interested parties should contact Fogell, at (206) 842-1163 for additional information.

Tickets are available at The Playhouse, 200 Madison Ave. N., or may be charged by phone at (206) 842-8569. BPA Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.