News and Reviews

Review: Beanbag Proms series
Royal Concert Hall Foyer, Nottingham

Forget sitting in a traditional concert hall: from a beanbag is the best way to experience classical music. The Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, plays host to Beanbag Proms, an exciting series of music concerts for under-6's, in partnership with sinfonia ViVA. Conducted by Alasdair Malloy, musicians from sinfonia ViVA present a varied, exciting and colourful performance with each concert consisting of a musical journey with a tangible theme. This informal, family-oriented concert series is a fun way for young children to experience and engage with orchestral music and musicians.

The concerts aren't just about listening though, with chances for children to meet the musicians, hear the instruments close up, and even the opportunity to touch and play their favourite instrument. The character of Beanie Bear is a central feature of the Beanbag Prom and children enjoy meeting, talking to and playing with Beanie Bear throughout the concert and can even join Beanie Bear's Gang.

Supported by Arts Council England Grant for the Arts, Nottingham City Council, John Lewis Nottingham and Orchestras Live, and steered by the Nottingham Orchestral Partnership Group, the Beanbag Proms were launched in September 2006, and since then eight concerts have taken place. Demand for the series has been consistently high, and the concerts have provided a unique new concert experience in Nottingham.

Feedback from the sessions has been very positive, with one parent commenting: "Our son thoroughly enjoyed it. We came as I felt the children would have more interaction with musical instruments and we definitely got that". Another happy participant declared: "We enjoyed it very much. I didn't know what to expect, but it was very informal and friendly. Alasdair Malloy was brilliant with the children".

Future plans for the Beanbag Prom series include developing a greater thematic link with the classical music programme at the Royal Concert Hall, with possible expansion to other concert venues in the Midlands, so watch out for a Beanbag Prom near you!

Reviewed by Orchestras Live

Check out the Education section of the ViVA website for accounts of recent Beanbag Proms, or see the Concerts list for details of forthcoming events.