Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Melodia Mariposa Presents a “Magical Introduction to the Orchestra” with Carnival of the Animals

Free Family Concert at the Los Angeles County Arboretum on October 4

What happens when the deep rumble of a double bass becomes an elephant, shimmering piano notes turn into an underwater world, and a cello melody makes a three-year-old declare that the music is “too sad”?

That is the magic Melodia Mariposa hopes to create when it presents Camille Saint-Saëns’ beloved Carnival of the Animals in a free family concert on Sunday, October 4, at 4 p.m. at Ayres Hall at the Los Angeles County Arboretum.

Described as a “Magical Introduction to the Orchestra,” the approximately 25-minute Carnival of the Animals brings an entire musical zoo to life, with lions, kangaroos, elephants, birds, tortoises and other creatures portrayed through sound. The program will also include Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 and other chamber music works.

The concert will feature the Melodia Mariposa Chamber Orchestra, two pianos and conductor David Cubek, with narration by acclaimed actor, singer and musician Dorian Harewood.

Harewood, whose career spans Broadway, film and television, played Older Noah in the Broadway production of The Notebook and received a Tony Award nomination for his performance. An accomplished singer as well, Harewood has recently performed a concert tribute to Nat King Cole in Los Angeles.

The concert also has a special family connection. Cellist Tina Soule, one of the founders of Melodia Mariposa, will perform the famous cello solo in The Swan. Her grandson, three-year-old Sky, has grown up hearing his grandmother play and has already formed his own opinions about music — including deciding that The Swan is “too sad.”

For Melodia Mariposa founder and director Irina Voloshina, those kinds of reactions are exactly why introducing children to music matters.

“Music moves, soothes, and excites at the same time and, for just a while, the audience unplugs, deleting the stress of the day,” Voloshina says. “It is our goal to create appealing and accessible music for those who enjoy being closer to the musicians.”

Conductor David Cubek shares that vision.

“Music is a wonderful thing, in and of itself,” Cubek says, “but what is incredible is its ability to bring communities together. It is a language that can express emotions and become a vehicle to bond people. It can be truly magical.”

That philosophy is at the heart of Melodia Mariposa’s mission: to create intimate, accessible classical music experiences that engage diverse audiences and foster appreciation and education among all ages.

The organization continues that mission despite the devastating impact of the Eaton Fire. Voloshina, Soule and members of the Melodia Mariposa family were among those who lost their homes. Yet the organization has continued to bring musicians and audiences together — and to make its concerts free and accessible to the community.

Admission to the October 4 concert is free, although reservations are required. Donations are welcome. Those wishing to support Melodia Mariposa can become members for $100 a year, with membership offering access to special members-only events and other benefits.

For reservations, membership, donations and more information, visit melodiamariposa.org.