The Caretaker's Guide to the Orchestra

Opus Orchestra, led by conductor Adam Maha and narrator Jeremy Hantler, invites tamariki and their whanau into a world where orchestral music becomes a playground.

At the heart of this family concert tour is The Caretaker’s Guide to the Orchestra by Jeremy Holland-Smith, with a witty, warm script by celebrated English illustrator and children’s author James Mayhew. Brought to life by Tauranga local Jeremy Hantler assuming the role of the Caretaker, this imaginative work, never before performed in New Zealand, introduces the instruments of the orchestra through storytelling, humour and gentle mischief, with moments of silliness and surprise, and children are encouraged to listen, laugh and lean in.

The second part of the programme continues the journey, with our narrator Jeremy guiding both orchestra and audience through a series of shorter works from around the globe creating a musical passport for curious ears. Kids (and kids at heart) will be invited to sing along, move their bodies and marvel at the virtuosity of Opus Orchestra concertmaster Lara Hall stepping into the spotlight as soloist.

True to Opus Orchestra family concert tradition, the adventure doesn’t end with the final note. Children will be invited to “storm the stage”, meet the musicians and explore the instruments up close.

FULL PROGRAMME:

HOLLAND-SMITH: The Caretaker’s Guide to the Orchestra

GRIEG: “Morning” from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1

STRAUSS II (arr): Unter Donner und Blitz

DEBUSSY: En bateau

SARASATE: Introduction and Tarantelle (violin solo: Lara Hall)

COPLAND (arr): Hoedown from Rodeo

TRAD (arr): New Zealand Waiata