Music for children and adults from Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra
Children in four Suffolk schools were totally captivated when a group of four musicians got together
with speakers from Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The Suffolk Philharmonic musicians joined forces with the
Suffolk Wildlife Trust to perform a light-hearted programme of music inspired by nature to
hundreds of children from four of the county’s primary schools: Rattlesden Primary near
Stowmarket, Hadleigh Community Primary, Worlingham Primary in Beccles (see photo) and Phoenix St Peter Academy in Lowestoft.
Helen Ballam, Headteacher of Rattlesden Primary School said: “The children were totally
captivated and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, which for many was the first time they had
experienced live classical music, especially of such a high standard.”
Comments from the children included:
“The greatest music ever!”
“I liked how elegantly the violin was played, it sounded like a calm wind”
“I liked how all of them were playing string instruments and all the songs were about nature”
“I liked the swan song because it was relaxing. I wonder how long it would take to learn the cello?”
“I thought it was absolutely fantastic – the way they communicated with each other was brilliant.
The cello was my favourite.”
Adults also had the opportunity to enjoy an hour’s music completely free of charge, in Rattlesden
Pavilion and Beccles Public Hall, played by some of the country’s finest musicians.
Attracting audiences of over 100 local people, including many who were older and less mobile, the
concerts took place on 12 and 13 September at Rattlesden Pavilion and Beccles Public Hall.
The hour’s mini-concert showcased a variety of classical pieces inspired by the natural world. These
included part of The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams; The “Bird” Quartet by Haydn, part
of Spring from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, some of the animals from Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the
Animals, all rounded off with The Teddy Bears’ Picnic.
Leslie Olive, founder and conductor of Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra said: “For more than ten
years, our world-class players have helped to meet a real social need by bringing world-class playing
to friendly local venues right across Suffolk, both for adults and for children, funded by a range of
grant-making trusts. Our players enjoyed a rapturous reception wherever they go, and Rattlesden
and Beccles were no exception!
Leslie Olive added: “We are now open to invitations from local communities anywhere across Suffolk
where live music can change people’s lives, helping to address loneliness and isolation, and where
children can catch a spark of enthusiasm for life-changing music.”