Live tunes for tots

WITH a teddy in hand and a comfy cushion, children are invited to experience live concerts at The Capital’s Bendigo Bank Theatre.

The Cushion Concert program started in 2013 as a way for pre-schoolers and their families to experience orchestras and ensembles.

Arts officer at Bendigo Venues and Events Rohan Phillips said the concerts are fun for the whole family.

“The idea was to provide a friendly and accessible introduction for young people and their families to live performances in our venues,” he said.

“In terms of programming we try and reflect the variety of live performance that our venues host, so in a typical year we will have classical chamber music, folk performers, choirs, as well as one or two school ensembles.

“We also try to engage touring artists, such as Inventi Ensemble, as well as the music festivals, with performances linked to the Bendigo Chamber Music Festival, Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival, and the Orchestra Victoria Festival.”

The upcoming 20 March concert will feature Inventi Ensemble and their show The Planets, an out-of-this-world performance with five musicians incorporating puppets and projections for kids.

Mr Phillips said the concerts have been a hit with children and a great introduction to the world of live performances.

“It’s great to see the various ways the children relate to the performances, some will sit quietly in a lap, some will dance around, and they love the opportunity to get up and close to the musicians,” he said.

“It’s also great for musicians to share the music they are passionate about with a whole new audience.”

The 20 March concert has sold out, however tickets to next month’s performance can be purchased on GoTix.