Symphony of Stuff

Introduce your little ones to the magical world of music, as the Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) guides them on an exciting and unique journey through sound.

^{By Tierney Seccull}

SYMPHONY OF STUFF teaches children that pretty much anything can become an instrument, including ordinary objects found at home – in the lounge room, bathroom, kitchen, even the laundry.

The DSO is passionate about engaging young children with music, and General Manager Kate Stephens says, although they tend to be hushed, it’s important for children to be able to make noise.

“I think it’s part of exploring who they are, what their bodies do, the noises their bodies make, and interacting with the world and the people around them,” she says.

Taking a brief break from wrangling her own growing tribe, DSO Concertmaster and Outreach/Education Officer Tara Murphy returns to lead this unique performance, one Stephens says is a special one.

“We love doing shows for and with kids. I think what’s really special is having kids in the audience seeing other kids up on stage. It completes the circle, and it’s wonderful for them to see kids like them making music – it’s so important for them to see that,” she says.

“We have some of our young artists performing with us on stage, along with a few DSO musicians lead by the wonderful and dynamic Tara Murphy, and we’ve also got some students from Milkwood Steiner School coming along.”

Children in attendance are encouraged to use their bodies and voices as instruments, and may even be inspired to make their own sounds when they get home. And in a very Territorian move, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Jon Tooby has been tasked with making a thongophone, which Stephens explains as different lengths of PVC pipe that can be struck with a pair of thongs to make sound.

“This is totally Tara’s brainchild, I think it’s going to be really inventive and wonderful – I mean, it’s everyday objects and a thongophone. What more could you want?”

Symphony of Stuff
WHEN SAT 20 APR | 9.30 & 11.30AM
AT CDU THEATRE
COST $15 | 5$ CHILD | FREE BABES IN ARMS | $35 FAM
INFO dso.org.au

_{Photo: Paz Tassone}