The Columbus Chamber Music Society throws a dual celebration on Sunday, August 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the Franklin Park Conservatory Atrium. A celebration of chamber music and the Society's fifty-second season will feature tribute to French composer Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) who this year celebrates his centennial. Peter Stafford Wilson, Assistant Conductor of the Columbus symphony Orchestra will lead members of the Columbus Symphony, and their friends-in a classic fairy tale with music.

"The Story of Babar the Little Elephant", the beloved tale by Jean de Brunhoff, was a curious choice for Poulenc. This savvy boulevardier was steeped in devout Catholicism. His opera "Dialogues of the Carmelites" is one of the few 20^th century operas that has entered the international repertoire. Poulenc's "Prayers of St. Francis" and his "Gloria" are favorites with choruses everywhere. Yet Poulenc certainly had his playful side. "Babar" caught the composer's attention just before the German occupation of his beloved Paris, and the work premiered in 1945. It is scored for a twelve piece instrumental ensemble and narrator. The beloved tale of a green hued elephant who drives a car and enjoys his mischief is perfectly told in words and in the music of the deeply spiritual and relentlessly naughty Francis Poulenc. (See the Program Notes.)

Peter Stafford Wilson spends much of this summer conducting in Europe, on tour with his Columbus Youth Orchestra. This will be Mo. Wilson's second concert for CCMS, following up his marvelous "Soldier's Tale" performed in August, 1997. Wilson brings with him colleagues you will recognize from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Our narrator. Ah! That remains a mystery at this writing. But the possibilities are tantalizing.

 A Summer Concert presented by the Columbus Chamber Music Society. The Story of Babar the Little Elephant, plus more by Poulenc and Eric Satie. Peter Stafford Wilson conducts. Sunday, August 22 at 6: 00 p.m. in the Franklin Park Conservatory. Tickets: 614-267-2267

Tickets ordered by calling 614-267-2267 or by email to tickets@columbuschambermusic.org before August 20 at 5 pm are $7 for adults, $4 for students. At the door, tickets will be $10 for adults, $5 for students, if any are available. Children 12 and under are admitted free, but must reserve a ticket to assure a seat!