Peter and the Wolf

Prokofiev’s perennial favourite, Peter and the Wolf, comes to Balmain Town Hall for one day only. Much loved by children and with more than a nod and a wink towards the adults, it features The Metropolitan Orchestra. After cutting her teeth on the Opera House’s Baby Proms, artistic director and conductor Sarah-Grace Williams has the tiny humans firmly in mind.

“These ‘cushion concerts’ dispense with the usual chairs, putting rugs and cushions on the floor so young audiences can get up close and personal with the music,” says Williams, “If you’ve got a bub on your lap and they’re going to enjoy it – bring them along.”

For the many grown ups who were introduced to orchestral music through Peter and the Wolf, there will be some fond memories. It’s hard not to hear an oboe, without thinking ‘duck’ – and then there are always those nasty, smelly, scary, ‘wolfish’ French horns.

“It’s a wonderful piece of music,” says Williams, “but also has the ability to introduce young audiences to the instruments of the orchestra.”

And what would Peter and the Wolf be without the narrator? Famously played by people as diverse as Gorbachev and Sting – even Dame Edna Everage – this version has Bevan Rigato in the fatherly armchair.

Performed alongside the Australian premiere of The Unhappy Aardvark, tickets are limited and bookings essential. (GW)

Sep 28, Balmain Town Hall, 370 Darling St, Balmain, $10, metorchestra.com.au