Classics up close – family concerts

Quartet — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:11:53 +0000

In a one hour program the engaging members of the New Zealand String Quartet introduce a range of musical ideas to a family audience, using audience participation, theatre and lively explanations. These programs are suited to an audience with children in the 4-10 year old age group and are marketed to parents and grandparents. The program includes “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”, a dramatised version of the Goldilocks story, presented in costume, which is used to introduce each instrument of the string quartet one by one. The three bears are musicians and it turns out that Goldilocks plays the violin too. The piece ends with the three bears forming a string quartet with Goldilocks and performing part of the ‘Pachelbear’ Canon.

Using audience participation, the four musicians introduce other illustrated program segments including “Talking instruments”, “Where’s the melody?” and “Recognising moods and emotions in music”. Musical examples range from Gershwin and Scott Joplin to Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Bartók.

What they said:

The event was a huge success..

Lesley Smith, Director, Lopdell House Gallery, venue for a Classics up close concert.

…pitched perfectly…

Audience member

…I liked the interactiveness and comedy – it was child friendly..

Audience member

Quartet members.

New Zealand String Quartet » Scott Joplin

Classics up close – family concerts