By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
It’s no coincidence that the five core members of Sonus Ensemble all had young children when the group developed the idea of a children’s hour concert.
“Our kids have to sit through our concerts so we thought we would do something where kids and parents can come and feel relaxed,” clarinettist Vicki Hallett says.
“It’s an opportunity to let children be children and yet enjoy quality music, in a less formal setting.”
The informal setting is Drysdale’s Tuckerberry Hill berry farm where families can wine, dine or pick some berries to the strains of child friendly woodwind works.
“Parents want something different but not in a formal concert hall. This lets kids have a cultural experience. All kids need exposure to that and this is one way to do it.”
Hallett says the ensemble is well used to the type of “accompaniment” children could provide.
“Bring it on, we reckon,” she laughs.
“We know what to expect. Besides having your own kids, we have all played at schools and performed concerts for school children.
“We will select pieces that we think will be interesting to children. Seeing music performed live adds to the whole sensory effect for kids.”
Sonus Ensemble has been going for two years, formed by a group of Geelong woodwind players.
Their performances include telling the story of the woodwind family in the pantheon of instruments, giving the group a chance to interact with their audience.
The innovative chamber group is based around a wind quintet that has the ability to expand and contract to create exciting collaborations and incorporate other art mediums.
The members of Sonus Ensemble are Suzanne Moodie (flute), Laura Schulze (oboe), Vicki Hallett (clarinet), Barney Ellis (bassoon) and Melinda Bell (French horn).
The free Children’s Hour concert is at 2pm on 22 November at Tuckerberry Hill, 35 Becks Road, Drysdale.
