Jack Everly Shares the Magic Behind Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish
Beloved Disney songs have a way of bringing generations together. Whether it’s the adventurous spirit of Aladdin, the heartwarming melodies of Beauty and the Beast, or the unforgettable music of Frozen, these timeless scores continue to inspire audiences of all ages.
On Saturday, July 25, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra returns to Conner Prairie for Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish, featuring iconic music performed live under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly. Paired with high-resolution film clips and performances by four guest vocalists, the evening promises a magical experience for Disney fans of every generation.
For Everly, every piece on the program carries a sense of nostalgia, but one selection is especially meaningful.
“Out There,” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, stands out because Everly conducted the songs on the film’s original soundtrack. Beyond that personal connection, he shared that he has “loved these songs since I was a child” and still does, making this concert a celebration of music that has remained meaningful throughout his life and career.
That familiarity is also what makes the program an ideal introduction to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. As Everly put it, hearing “familiar favorites played by our great orchestra” is one of the best ways for first-time guests to experience the excitement of live symphonic music.
While many audience members know these songs by heart from the films or their favorite playlists, Everly believes hearing them performed live creates a completely different experience.
“The experience seems more immediate and somehow more alive and emotional than merely through our sound systems at home, great as they might be,” he shared. “Also, seeing and hearing 70 musicians performing live is unique (unless you have a very big living room).”
The concert features music from Disney favorites including Frozen, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, and more, accompanied by high-resolution film clips and performances from vocalists Stephanie Gerson, Payson Lewis, Domonique Paton, and Aaron Phillips.
Families are encouraged to arrive early for a special Teddy Bear Concert Series presentation for children ages 3–7. Beginning at 7 p.m., the pre-concert event is included with every Kroger Symphony on the Prairie ticket.
Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or introducing Disney’s timeless music to a new generation, Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish offers the chance to experience these beloved songs as they were meant to be heard.