In town, last weekend on 21 November 2015, sat a theatre full of families with thrilled children who were expecting a sensory feast suitable for an hour of note-worthy orchestral performance in Victoria Concert Hall! Concert for Children is back!
Parents like myself were definitely spoilt for choices with programmes such as concerts, movies, attractions or even travelling out of town. But we were glad we were here to catch the awesome performance by Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Platypus Theatre for Emily Saves the Orchestra. Being my first children’s concert; it was marvellous because this memorial hall was considered a venue with one of the best acoustics in the City. Written and directed by Peter Duschenes, this orchestra was presented in an interactive way with music taking the leading role.
Described as “a visually stunning production” and “beautiful on the deepest level”, audiences across the globe have fallen in love with this production which features excerpts from some of history’s most beloved pieces, including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, The Nutcracker and William Tell Overture.
It was a fun way to introduce your little ones to classic music without them wanting to get out of the theatre! Most of the children can sit through this 60 minutes performance as it was very engaging. The duration was decent for children as young as four years old as they would be able to understand the plot, appreciate the “sound” effect performed by the orchestra.
We love the plot where Emily a witty 10-year old displayed bravery and courage to take up the challenge by the monster Cacopholous; she was given three warnings from the caw sounds to find a way to bring the song back together from the screeches and imbalance. Without any idea what type of elements to piece a beautiful music, she had to work with her friend, Opus who taught her the basic elements of music – melody, harmony, dynamics, rhythm and tone.
Emily also engaged the audience to sing and echoed “Rhythm beats like your heart” and sang the tune for “Ode to Joy” where this piece was no stranger to most of the audience. Not to mention, the orchestra played my favourite symphony – Johann Pachelbel’s The Canon in D where I was immersed in the entire play! The takeaway from the play – teamwork, problem-solving skills and in a fight, the good will always triumph over evil.
To end it with a sweet note this production was fantastic! I am looking forward to the next children’s concert by Singapore Symphony Orchestra. If you love musical with live instrumental performance, I would say it is highly recommended especially for parents and children aged four and above who is learning music appreciation or learning an instrument.
Chloe..
Familystaysg Team