Shows for Children at Eden Court

Reviewed by Oliver Kerr (aged 3 years and 11 month) and Mary-Ann Connolly 

Having taken grandson to two live music show in one week(!) I thought it would be a good idea to review and compare both. After all an almost four-year-old hasn’t pigeonholed himself yet into the great divide between classical and popular. It is delightful when experiencing live music and song at that age they can instinctively understand what is really “good and interesting”, or really “bad and boring”. They have no compunction to expressing themselves by making for the exit or jumping up and down in their seats and singing along. One show is subsidised and another commercial. 

Fortunately, both these shows fulfilled the ‘really good’ criteria in different ways.  

Scottish Chamber Orchestra: Stan and Mabel

13/02/22

Billed as a family festival with furry foyer festival activities before, this was a delightful entrée into a live orchestra. Playing to a seventy percent full stalls audience this short piece worked well for both parents and children. Running for just fifty minutes it was perfectly executed and engaged both parents and children. Telling the story through presenter Chris Jarvis of the adventure of favourite cat and dog duo as they take their animal orchestra to La Scala Milan.  Craftily composed by Paul Rissman from the Isle of Bute, famous for the award winning ‘The Chimpanzees of Happytown’ this has the various sections and members of the orchestra playing animal roles aligned to their instruments. What an amazing opportunity for youngsters under eight years to get to know an orchestra live! Also, to watch conductor Gregory Batsleer leading the ensemble. To be able to learn and understand how he controls the musicians and draws the best out of them, something which so very few children engage with. The programme also has some of the dots from the music on it so that I can play them to grandson. As preparation there was the opportunity to learn the songs, which we dutifully did.  I understand that Oliver is busy breaking forth from his bedroom and singing down the phone to all and sundry. But what a pity that this only has a handful of performances. Although ticket prices are low this is something that only a few parents would consider attending. Only two shows in Edinburgh and one in Inverness! The Scottish Ensemble has a fine creative learning programme and touring is an expensive business. But something inside of me says that this should be an experience that every primary school child should enjoy. But what did our youngest reviewer have to say. The brass players were the best!