A musical celebration of Forest Park wildlife
Erin Schreiber played a selection of violin music accompanied by piano and scenes of Forest Park wildlife.
On May 17th, violinist Erin Schreiber hosted a musical celebration of Forest Park wildlife in collaboration with the Forest Park Living Lab. The event, attended by approximately 300 people, was held at the Sheldon in downtown St. Louis. The music included pieces by Dvorak, Kreisler, and Messiaen as well as a premiere of “Barely Alive” by Harry Gonzalez.
In addition to the music, a highlight of the evening was Cecil, one of the World Bird Sanctuary’s Great Horned Owls. Jeff Meshach, deputy director of World Bird Sanctuary and an investigator with the Forest Park Living Lab, answered questions about owls while Cecil treated visitors to a generous performance of hoots.
Visitors learn about Great Horned Owls.
Jeff and Cecil.
Infographics and posters of Forest Park Living Lab research were up in the lobby during the concert. Most of these displays were presented by the Lab’s student researchers.
Learning about Forest Park raccoons.
A 3D model of Forest Park and handmade cards all made by Forest Park Living Lab undergraduate student Sruthi Ainapurapu.
Visitors trying their hand at camera trap species ID.
August Wise, a graduate student with the Forest Park Living Lab, and MDC naturalist Lauren Voyles staffed a table full of pelts and other educational materials. The items represented species found in the park, including opossum, squirrel, and coyote.
August and Lauren with the table of biofacts.
Local photographers provided photos that were displayed in the lobby and featured during the music. The violin performance was also accompanied by videos of Forest Park’s wildlife taken by cinematographer Shawn Klein.
All photos featured during the evening were taken in Forest Park.
Enjoying the photographs and infographics.
Expressive photos and videos accompanied the performance.
The Sheldon provided a perfect venue and even had nature themed walls!
The wall art set the scene!
And last but not least, Stephen Blake enthralled the audience with stories of Forest Park box turtles and Galapagos giant tortoises.
Sharing the story of how the Forest Park Living Lab got its start.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you at our future events!