The University Symphony Orchestra will present “Arabian Nights”–an hypnotic evening of storytelling, special effects, and genie-conjuring music.  Again this year the Hyde Park School of Dance collaborates with the orchestra in these back-to-back concerts, perfect for families. Music will be performed under the baton of Barbara Schubert.  The program includes a magic carpet ride to the sultans and caravans in Rimsky-Korsakov’s quixotic “Scheherazade,” featuring royalty, oriental dancing, and magical love spells.  Charles Tomlinson Griffes’ dream-like tone-poem, “The Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan”, evokes images of wandering camels, mysterious strangers, and majestic castles.  Excerpts from Nielsen’s flamboyant “Aladdin Suite” frames the program with daring chases and exotic dances from foreign lands.

Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St., Chicago. Saturday, October 29th at 7:00pm and at 9:00pm. Donations are requested at the door: $4 students/$8 adults.  For more information, call the Event Hotline at (773) 702-8069. Children and their families are encouraged to wear their costumes to the performance.