The Soldier's Tale

CRUNCHY TANGOS, WALTZES, rags and a deal with the devil… Get the kids hooked on live music in this classic tale with a tropical twist!

By Anna Dowd

Darwin Symphony Orchestra Ensemble has teamed up with DSO Young Artists Program musicians and performers from Milkwood Steiner School to recreate what Concertmaster Tara Murphy describes as a forever tale for all ages.

“It’s about realising that what you thought was not valuable, was actually the most valuable thing you had. In this case, it’s music and the soldier’s violin, which he sells to the devil.”

Murphy says while they use the original score written by Russian composer Stravinsky in 1918, they’ve added in some extras, adapting it for a younger Top End audience.

“I’m not sure many young Territory people are very familiar with rolling hills and tiny European villages so we’ve changed the scenery a little bit, for example, Nightcliff Foreshore!”

Once described as the 19th century version of a Brothers Grimm tale, they’ve put their own lighter touch on it.

“It’s quite a dark tale in its original form, so we’ve lightened it up a bit and turned it into a rhyming verse.”

The latest in the DSO’s Kid’s Classic series, Murphy says the aim is to inspire potential and existing young musicians, and with this piece, to introduce a narrative understanding of music.

“Sometimes it’s about movement, sometimes it’s about learning the different instruments – this concert is about being able to weave a story and music together, and just have a lot of fun along the way.”

Kids' Classics: The Soldier's Tale
WHEN SAT 14 NOV | 9.30AM & 11AM
AT CDU THEATRE
COST $12 | $7 CHILD | $28 FAM
INFO dso.org.au