Children and grown-ups lap up music from Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra

Hundreds of children in four Suffolk primary schools were totally captivated when a group of four musicians from the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra got together with speakers from Suffolk Wildlife Trust to perform a light-hearted programme of music inspired by nature.

Teachers and pupils from Rattlesden Primary, near Stowmarket; Hadleigh Community Primary; Worlingham Primary, in Beccles; and Phoenix St Peter Academy, in Lowestoft, made the most of the visits in September which had pupils clapping and singing along to the music. 

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.”

Brynn Eden, music co-ordinator at Worlingham Primary School, said: “Moments and mornings like this are unmeasurable in terms of the impact and effect they have on both staff and children. The 300 children in our school were transfixed, moved and enthused by the quality, live music that they experienced.”

Over 100 local people, including many who were older and less mobile, also had the opportunity to enjoy music from the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra’s musicians when a string quartet performed  an hour’s music completely free of charge, in Rattlesden Pavilion and Beccles Public Hall.

The 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: “Our players enjoy a rapturous reception wherever they go, and Rattlesden and Beccles were no exception.

“For more than 10 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 – all thanks to generous funding from grant-making trusts and local businesses. 

“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.”

For more information about the Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra visit: www.suffolkphil.org