Children's workshops
Since 1992 when my son’s playgroup asked me to ‘do a musical show’ I have been performing numerous piano music shows for children of primary school age. These theatrical shows (with professionally designed props) bring classical music closer to children through audience participation. The shows have toured the UK widely in schools, theatres and festivals and have included many composer-based workshops but also story-based shows.
I am currently offering the following shows. Please email baronshouse2000@yahoo.com for prices.
The Snow Queen (music by Debussy): A show for 3-8 year olds​​​​​
The French composer Claude Debussy wrote his Children’s Corner suite for piano for his 3 year old daughter, Chou-chou. Here he describes her world , beginning with a piece showing off the piano, then a lullaby for Jimbo, her pet elephant puppet, a doll’s dance, a piece describing snow (with the story of the Snow Queen), the little shepherd, and finally, Cakewalk, a competitive dance where the winner gets a cake. Children love the delightful professionally-designed costumes! Ample opportunity to take part in the drama, dance and percussion. A pre-show activity (optional) is the making of snowflakes for the Snow Queen piece. Show duration: 35 minutes.
Babar The Elephant (music by Poulenc):A show for 3-8 year olds​​​​​
Poulenc’s Babar the Elephant for piano and narrator is among the finest pieces written specifically for children. It is suitable for an audience up to 8 years old.
The music follows the ‘Story of Babar’ book, each piece a musical depiction of
pictures in the book. The story traces Babar as he grows up, leaves the forest,
arrives in a town where he is befriended by an Old Lady who introduces him to
her way of life (!). Homesickness makes him return to the forest where eventually
he gets married and is crowned King of the Elephants. Prepare yourselves for an elaborate coronation with fine costumes and props! The music is witty, tuneful
and also has a strongly Romantic flavour. Show duration: 40 mins.
Haydn:A show for 7-11 year olds​​​​​
The music of Haydn is not nearly so well known as that of his contemporary Mozart. We will trace Haydn’s colourful life as choirboy, teacher, then Kapellmeister at Esterhazy where he remained for almost 50 years, and his very successful two journeys to London. As one of the very first composers to introduce wit into his music, children will have an opportunity to act out the finale of the Farewell Symphony as well as getting to know one of the late piano sonatas. A very theatrical show of one of music’s great composers! Show duration: 40 mins.
Pictures from previous performances
