10 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE Do you think Bugs Bunny has a favorite cartoon that features classical music? I never speak for Bugs — I learned that a long time ago. He’s great at doing that himself, from the screen. I don’t think Bugs, however, has a favorite. Bugs loves everything he does equally ... he puts his entire persona, his entire being, and all of his stupendously-many talents into every frame of film on which he has ever appeared. One thing for sure, Bugs is also absolutely a classical music lover. In a conducting career that has stretched out over almost five decades, I’ve never met a human being with as many diverse musical and artistic talents as Bugs possesses. He is truly a “Renaissance Rabbit.” How does this concert tap into the nostalgia of Bugs Bunny while also offering something new? Well, of course, there are so many classic and iconic vintage Looney Tunes in the concert — “Baton Bunny,” “What’s Opera, Doc?,” “The Rabbit of Seville,” “Corny Concerto,” “Zoom and Bored,” “Long-Haired Hare,” “High Note” and more. But we are also really excited that Warner Bros. has provided us with five brand-new Looney Tunes for our concert, and they are spectacular. There are three new Wile E. Coyote/ Road Runner cartoons in 3D with amazing scores by leading current-day film composer Christopher Lennertz. They bring down the house, because they’ve never before been seen by audiences. And 7 8 10 QUESTIONS

9 10 two more newbies — “Dynamite Dance,” a sort of ballet between Bugs and Elmer set to the rollicking “Dance of the Hours” finale, and “Wet Cement,” a new Elmer and Daffy Looney Tune. Audiences are loving seeing these new masterpieces along with their beloved vintage cartoons. Are there any special surprises you’re excited for audiences to experience? One of the great aspects of this concert, besides experiencing the music live from a spectacular symphony orchestra, is for audiences to see these Looney Tunes on “the big screen.” So many of us first experienced them on a small-ish television screen — or these days, even smaller digital devices. But the Looney Tunes were not created for television. They were created for movie theaters. The Warner Bros. — Jack and his siblings — wanted to start every single Warner Bros. feature film with a Looney Tunes or Merrie Melodies animated short. They were made for the big screen, so current-day audiences finally see them that way in this concert. And there are so many more details visible on the big screen than on your iPhone! Another surprise is the addition of a live audience. Because that’s how they were written, how they were “timed” — for live audience reaction. And when these cartoons are seen with a huge live audience, it becomes apparent that audience reaction is an indelible part of their soundscape and sound design. Is there anything you’d like to add? We are so happy to be back with the incredible Phoenix Symphony. This will be our third time, and I can’t wait. And neither can Bugs! We hope you come check out our shows. That’s all, folks! To learn more, visit phoenixsymphony.org . U.S. Premiere February 13 – 16, 2025 with The Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall Produced by Jacquie & Bennett Dorrance and Bob Benson FRIDA TICKETS: balletaz.org | 602.381.1096 Photo © Hans Gerritsen. Courtesy of Dutch National Ballet.