News and Reviews

News: Free Concert for Under Sixes
April 2009

Local children will have the unique chance to meet professional musicians and even have a go on the instruments at a special concert organised by celebrated East Midlands orchestra sinfonia ViVA on Saturday April 4.

The free concert entitled 'Animal Antics' for children aged six and under and their families will start at 1.15pm with a series of workshops in the Darwin Suite, Assembly Rooms, when they can meet the musicians, learn more about the instruments that make up an orchestra and have a go themselves. The orchestra will then perform a short concert of music on an animal theme ranging from 'Under the Sea' to 'The Ugly Bug Ball.

Pre-school children at Becket Primary School and Children's Centre Nursery and at Austin/Sunnyhill Sure Start will also get special preview workshops in the run up to the free concert.

ViVA Education Manager Marianne Quintrell explained: "We have a varied programme of education and community work in Derby which is part of our work to introduce classical music to a wider and younger audience and to hopefully inspire children to get involved in all sorts of music whether playing or listening."

She continued: "Existing work mainly involves primary school children upwards so 'Animal Antics' is a wonderful opportunity for younger children to experience the magic of classical music in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The workshops are a fantastic way for children to familiarise themselves with the musicians and the instruments before then listening to the Orchestra in action. The performance is very interactive with pieces introduced in a fun way by the conductor Alasdair Malloy who gets everybody involved."

Free tickets for 'Animal Antics' at the Darwin Suite, Assembly Rooms, Derby on April 4 starting at 1.15pm cannot be pre-booked so please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Media enquiries: Sarah Jenkin-Jones - Tel: 01332 515102/07951 945 665 sarah@jjpublicrelations.co.uk