The music from 'Fantasia' comes to Van Wezel in Sarasota

Walt Disney's masterpiece "Fantasia" first came to movie screen 75 years ago, and its animation is still effective and even edgy.

Its music, of course, is timeless, with selections from works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Stravinsky and other classical musical greats.

On Wednesday, The Czech National Symphony Orchestra will be at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, performing the music from "Fantasia," and its sequel, "Fantasia 2000" as scenes from the films play on the screen behind the musicians. It should bring extra power and new dynamics to the already impactful film.

Among the musical selections are Beethoven's fifth symphony, and three movement of his sixth symphony, Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite," Debussy's "Clair de Lune," Stravinsky's "The Firebird Suite," Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours," Dukas' "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance," excerpts from Respighi's "Pines of Rome" and Saint-Saens' "The Carnival of the Animals."

Ted Sperling is the conductor. He won a Tony Award in 2005 for his orchestrations for the Craig Lucas-Alan Guettel musical "The Light in the Piazza."

Details: 8 p.m. March 9, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $50-$80. Information: 941-953-3368, vanwezel.org.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 5:41 PM with the headline "The music from 'Fantasia' comes to Van Wezel in Sarasota ."