Peter and the Wolf family performance launches our Derby Season

We officially launch our 2024/25 Derby Season with a concert specifically programmed for children aged six to 11 and their families. The afternoon family show on Saturday 5 October at Derby Cathedral features Prokofiev’s much-loved and iconic Peter and the Wolf as well as a selection of short classical pieces.

This magical symphonic tale is the perfect introduction to orchestral music, where every instrument brings a character to life—the bassoon as the stern grandfather, the playful oboe quacking as the duck, the mellow clarinet as the cat, and the lively flute as the bird.

The concert will be narrated by Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, whose family of talented musicians are our patrons, and conducted by nationally-renowned Helen Harrison. The performance will also be interpreted by BSL specialist Sarah Gatford.

Make your own wolf

Children will be invited to join Abbie Canning for Peter and the Wolf themed craft activities and a treasure hunt around the Cathedral before the concert and to meet the musicians afterwards with all activities included in the ticket price.

Dr Kanneh-Mason said: “As the mother of seven classical musicians, it was Peter and the Wolf which started them on their way as we listened to it before and after school every day.

“It is a piece that combines the wonders of music with the wonders of storytelling and I know that this is going to be fantastic for everyone – young and old.”

The concert is part of a partnership programme with Derby Cathedral and the Dean of Derby. The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson explained that this was the perfect venue for the family concert.

“We are very proud of our long association with Sinfonia Viva which is our regional orchestra based here in Derby and look forward to welcoming families for this wonderful concert.

“Our amazing acoustics enable the music created by the talented musicians to fully immerse the audience and I know this will be a very special way of introducing more young people to the magic of music and storytelling.”

Sinfonia Viva chief executive Lucy Galliard concluded: “It is very appropriate that we launch our new and biggest ever Derby Season at the Cathedral with an interactive and inclusive family concert.

“We are very proud of our Derby roots and have won national acclaim for how we engage with wider audiences so that everyone can enjoy high quality classical music in their local communities.

“We are particularly pleased that Dr Kanneh-Mason is joining us for this performance as she and her family of hugely talented musicians have been part of many special concerts over the years and are fantastic ambassadors for our work.”

Tickets for ‘Peter and the Wolf’ are £10/£7.50 concessions. The doors open at 1pm for pre-show activities and the concert lasts for one hour with no interval.

Book tickets for Peter and the Wolf