Youngsters Enjoy Festive Sounds of Symphony Orchestra

The sounds and sights of a full orchestra delighted families on Sunday afternoon at the Christ Church Centre for the Henley Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas concert for children.

Stephen Ellery, the conductor kicked off the concert by parading into the church playing a Star Wars Cantina on an unusual tenor saxophone.  He then introduced the big red man himself and Elvin the Elf who delighted the children with a tale of Christmas night interspersed with jokes from high up in the pulpit.

The orchestra then played an introduction and Dances of the Stars (Christmas Eve Suite) before the audience were invited to join in the Christmas hymn, Away in a Manager.

The tempo then went up a gear with the orchestra playing The Potter Waltz from Harry Potter & Goblet of Fire film, Polonaise (Christmas Eve) and the Wand Dance.

The children in the audience then got to play along with the percussion instruments they had been given to Jingle Bells and Sleigh Ride. After the concert the children could also have a go at plucking the strings of the large double bass.

This wonderful concert is a great opportunity for young children to listen to a live orchestra and see all the musical instruments in a lovely environment with a relaxed atmosphere and perfectly timed for children (45 mins).