Best-selling author Dan Brown to present 'Wild Symphony' with PSO at Music Hall July 8

PORTSMOUTH − On Saturday, July 8, at 3 p.m., local luminary and best-selling author, Dan Brown will present his quirkily fantastic “Wild Symphony” alongside the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra here in town at The Music Hall. The event will serve as a benefit for the New Hampshire Music Educators Association.

“Wild Symphony” is Brown’s first picture book, which was released back in September of 2020 with an accompanying interactive orchestral soundtrack (produced by Bob Lord and PARMA Recordings. It has a very Seussian feel with the animal characters taking their respective spots in an orchestra led by Maestro Mouse.

Zany, fun, and unique; it’s an entertaining read and bringing it together in a live setting with a full orchestra soundtracking it in real time makes for an even further exhilarating experience (this will be Brown’s second time presenting the book at the Music Hall).

Seacoastonline sat down with Brown to discuss the book, the show, the importance of music education, and more.

Seacoastonline: We’re creeping up on three years since “Wild Symphony” was released, well, to the wild. How has the reception been?

Brown: The reception to "Wild Symphony" has been truly humbling and uplifting. Seeing how warmly the audience, both kids and adults alike, have embraced the music and the accompanying book has been a joy. It's rewarding to see this unusual fusion of music and words being received so well.

Seacoastonline: What were the challenges associated with releasing a new work at the height of a pandemic? Any key takeaways?

Brown: It was a daunting task, indeed. The pandemic added an extra layer of complexity to everything. On the flip side, the quarantine situation provided people with the time to explore new forms of art and entertainment, and perhaps that helped "Wild Symphony" find its audience. It certainly reinforced to me the importance and value of art in providing solace, connection, and distraction in challenging times.

Seacoastonline: Since the release you’ve participated in a number of live orchestral presentations of the book and its soundtrack. How have those events been? How does narrating a book to a live symphony orchestra rate as a slightly different author engagement?

Brown: Our countless concerts around the world have been absolutely thrilling experiences. Being able to narrate the book while an orchestra performs the soundtrack brings an entirely new dimension to the experience of storytelling. It's a dynamic and immersive experience to which young people really seem to react.

Seacoastonline: Speaking of performances, you’ll be presenting “Wild Symphony” at the Music Hall alongside the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, July 8. Are you narrating that performance? What’s in the cards?

Brown: Yes! I will be on stage narrating this performance personally. The concert lasts one bite-sized hour—a whirlwind of fun upbeat music and stories. There’s also a street fair outside the Music Hall before and after the show, so the whole thing is something different to do with the young people in your life.

Seacoastonline: I understand the event is a benefit for the New Hampshire Music Educators Association. Tell us about your affiliation with the organization and what led you to want to help support its mission in this way.

Brown: I've always been a firm believer in the importance of music education. When I learned about the work that the NHMEA does, I knew I wanted to do something to support them. Their commitment to fostering the musical talents of young people is truly inspiring.

Seacoastonline: What’s the importance of music educators? And, further, of educating our youth in musical studies?

Brown: Music educators are invaluable in nurturing creativity, discipline, and emotional intelligence in our youth. They not only teach how to play an instrument or understand music, but they also instill an appreciation for the art form that often lasts a lifetime.

Seacoastonline: What has music meant to you in your life? How does it inspire you in your daily life and as a writer (if at all)?

Brown: Music has always been a refuge for me, a source of inspiration, and a means of expression. It fuels my creativity and even influences my writing at times, allowing me to approach a storyline or character from a different perspective.

Seacoastonline: How has “Wild Symphony” allowed you to scratch that musical itch and put something unique into the world? What have you learned from the collective experience?

Brown: "Wild Symphony" was the perfect opportunity for me to combine my love for storytelling with my passion for music. Creating a work where both of these elements could co-exist and enhance each other was a fulfilling experience. It's taught me a lot about the potentials of cross-disciplinary creativity.

Seacoastonline: Last we spoke you likened yourself most with your yellow lab, Winston. How is the pup?

Brown: Winston is doing great, thank you! He’s my cowriter on the new novel project—or at least he sleeps under my feet while I work. He's as hilarious and affectionate as ever. I believe he will be attending Saturday’s concert as well.

Seacoastonline: What excites you about the Music Hall gig on Saturday? What can folks expect?

Brown: I'm very excited about sharing the "Wild Symphony" experience with a hometown crowd! Performing around the world is certainly exciting, but there’s nothing quite like coming home.

Check out www.themusichall.org and/or www.wildsymphony.com for further information.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Dan Brown presents 'Wild Symphony' with PSO at Music Hall July 8