In a sense, area schoolchildren will be treated to the world premiere of Aladdin, the ballet, April 20, 2007.

The Ballet Theatre of Toledo performed the show for the first time ever on March 25 in Toledo, but the upcoming performances in Norwalk will mark the first time it's been tailor-made for a children's audience. Dancers from the Ballet Theatre of Toledo will dance, accompanied by music from the Firelands Symphony Orchestra. National City Bank and the Fund for Huron County are co-sponsoring the concert. The Firelands Symphony previously worked with the Toledo company on the children's concert "Peter and the Wolf" and "The Nutcracker," both last year.

"We work together so well and Nigel is always willing to put together a new idea," symphony executive director and principal flutist Tamara Kagy said, referring to Ballet Theatre of Toledo Artistic Director Nigel Burgoine. "He's a genius. Nigel Burgoine is an absolute master of the stage."

Burgoine wrote the story, which is set in the market place of the city of Bashani, and involves princes, a princess, a street thief named Aladdin, an evil magician and others. One of the songs children should recognize is "Flight of the Bumblebee," Kagy said.

Ballet Theatre of Toledo dancers will dance excerpts from the original show, but a narrator will tell the entire story. Kagy said a smaller orchestra usually performs at children's concerts, but the youngsters on April 20 will witness a full-sized orchestra. That's because the music demands more instruments, Kagy said. "These kids will feel the vibrations coming through their seats," she said. Also, in keeping with the symphony's educational mission, musicians will explain to the children what it's like to play their respective instruments.

In other symphony news, the symphony's final concert of the year, "Bright Stars," is set for 3 p.m. May 6 in the Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center. It features young artists from throughout Ohio who competed and advanced in the symphony's Young Artists Competition in January. Kagy said about 80 young people age 12 to 21 competed in their respective age categories, and five made it to the "Bright Stars" show. There will be piano players, a cellist, a violinist and a flutist.

"These kids will be on world class stages," Kagy said.

Tickets to the performance cost $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $7 for students. IF YOU GO
WHAT: "Bright Stars" concert
WHEN: 3 p.m. May 6
WHERE: Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center
HOW MUCH: Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $7 for students. Call (419) 660-0420.