The Musical Storyteller

By interlacing the stories she has written with the works of classical composers like Beethoven, Debussy, Chopin, Schumann and Paderewski, Vivian Farrell has crafted "... a new and inspiring way to introduce children to classical music ...," with "... great sensitivity ..." and in a manner that is "... deceptively simple," according to Phyllis A. Ehrlich of the New York Times.

It all started in 1977, when Vivian combined her love of children and of classical music with her professional acting experience and created her first show as The Musical Storyteller.

The stories Vivian performs are set to the music of familiar classical pieces such as Debussy's Clair de Lune, Beethoven's Für Elise and her introductory theme, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, which she tells in a 'nutshell' -- that is, set exactly to the timing of the Nutcracker overture.

The stage is set with dolls, toys and props which Vivian, in her fairytale costume, uses as she moves from one part of the stage to another for each story.