Peter and the Wolf

In 2003, Bono and Gavin Friday originally created Peter & the Wolf, a book based on Sergei Prokofiev’s 1936 symphony, in support of Irish Hospice Foundation. Both artists have continued their relationship with IHF, and twenty years later, the story of Peter has been transformed into a short animated film, along with a new book, music, and merchandise.

Musician and composer Gavin Friday led the creation of this reimagined Peter & the Wolf. He narrated the animated film and, with Maurice Seezer, adapted Prokofiev’s original score, performed by The Friday Seezer Ensemble.

Peter & the Wolf follows a grieving 12-year-old Peter, who is now in the care of his grandfather, who himself is adjusting to life after the death of his daughter. The character of Peter is loosely based on Bono’s younger years during the Dublin punk scene in the 1970s. When we meet Peter, he’s an angsty adolescent, but over the course of the story, a sensitive side emerges along with his resourcefulness and determination to uncover a thoughtful and very human side of himself. Each character in this telling of Peter & the Wolf represents different aspects of Peter, with the wolf embodying his relationship with grief and the unknown, his grandfather representing his connection to family and the forest creatures who capture the comedy, naivete and carefree elements of childhood. 

Gavin Friday said: “The messaging of vigilance, bravery and resilience that were core to the original symphony are still echoed throughout our interpretation, but we spin a traditional fairy tale into a unique adaptation that also incorporates the topic of loss, redemption, and recovery. It’s my hope that this Peter and The Wolf becomes a balm for any child dealing with loss, alongside exposing and captivating them into the wonderful and musical world of Prokofiev.”

The story is for children and adults alike, and we know it will help others to recognise their feelings of grief and how we can support each other. IHF is thrilled to see this project come back to life in such a real way, and to have the support of Gavin, Bono, and our partners who have made this project possible: BMG, Blink Industries, DK, and Eason.