Integrated Performance Brings Paddington Bear Story To Life
Grammy-nominated Sinfonia Viva will bring the magical story of much-loved children’s character Paddington Bear to the stage on Saturday 11th December for a family-friendly afternoon concert at The Reach Centre in Pride Park.
Paddington Bear’s First Concert is ideal for children aged 7 to 12 and uses music, storytelling, bespoke film and imagination to take the audience on a wonderful adventure with the calamity-prone character.
The piece was composed by Herbert Chappel who, in 1974, was invited by Paddington’s creator Michael Bond to write the score for a short cartoon film which has since been performed by orchestras around the world.
The inclusive concert, narrated by Abimaro Gunnell, will also be fully integrated with BSL interpretation by Sarah Gatford as well as creative projections to immerse the audience in the world of Paddington alongside captions on a giant screen.
The 2pm concert will also include the premiere of a story created by writer-director Hazel Gould about being brave and tackling new adventures as well as showcasing the best of classical music, from cinematic full-ensemble showstoppers to heartfelt, gentle duets expertly conducted by Helen Harrison.
It will be followed by a wide range of creative activities including the chance for young audience members to send a postcard to Paddington, meet the Sinfonia Viva players and even pick up the baton to conduct the musicians in an impromptu after-show concert.
Sinfonia Viva creative projects manager Hattie Coupe explained: “Our creative team are renowned for making music, story telling and activities inclusive to everyone – indeed Sinfonia Viva was one of the first orchestras to create a fully-integrated family performance back in 2008.
“Paddington Bear’s First Concert is therefore perfect for family and friends of all ages with compelling narration and beautiful music - sprinkled with the unique humour and magic of the world’s favourite bear! The show explores themes of identity, learning from challenges and being brave, in an accessible and fun way that will inspire the whole family. It’s an uplifting feel-good show that is very true to the spirit of Paddington.”
Tickets cost £7 each with free entry for children aged one and under and are available at https://www.sinfoniaviva.co.uk/Event/paddington-bears-first-concert There is free but limited parking onsite with additional parking nearby.
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