Children & Young People
Leap Year
Leap Year is a vibrant, theatrical music show created especially for children aged 7–11 and their families, produced in collaboration with MishMash Productions.
Overview
Leap Year is a vibrant, theatrical music show created especially for children aged 7–11 and their families. Produced by Sinfonia Viva in collaboration with MishMash Productions, this unique performance reimagines the classical concert as an energetic, interactive experience where music meets theatre, and audiences are at the heart of the action.
Presented in twelve lively chapters – one for each month of the year – Leap Year takes audiences on a seasonal journey, guided by a trio of charismatic musicians playing violin, clarinet, and bassoon. With a blend of live music, theatrical sketches, games, and audience participation, Leap Year transforms classical music into something utterly joyful, playful, and inclusive.
100%
of teachers said the show exceeded expectations in quality, captivation, and inclusion.
100%
of teachers said it was an excellent way to introduce classical music to children.
100%
of families said they would attend more classical concerts with children after seeing Leap Year.
Purpose and Aims
The primary purpose of Leap Year is to make classical music accessible, engaging, and fun for children and families. Through bold creativity and interactive storytelling, the show aims to:
- Introduce young audiences to classical music in a warm, welcoming, and informal setting
- Foster creativity, imagination, and musical curiosity through performance and play
- Break down barriers to concert-going, challenging traditional concert norms and expectations
- Support music education by offering high-quality live experiences that complement classroom learning
- Reach diverse communities, both in schools and public venues, across the East Midlands and beyond
Creative Approach
Leap Year takes a radically different approach to our standard concert-making. It is not just a musical performance; it is a theatrical journey designed specifically with young people in mind. Key elements of the creative process include:
- Hybrid format: A blend of concert and theatre, with musicians acting as storytellers, comedians, and performers
- Instrumental innovation: Featuring an unusual but compelling ensemble of violin, clarinet, and bassoon—encouraging curiosity about orchestral sounds
- Visual storytelling: A colourful set of twelve imaginative boxes (each representing a month) provides the thematic and visual anchor for each scene
- Co-creation model: Musicians collaborated closely with the creative team, contributing to the development of characters, sketches, and interactive elements
- Memorised performance: Every note and line is performed from memory, allowing for dynamic movement, engagement, and spontaneity
- Audience participation: Children are not just observers but participants—invited to play, laugh, and respond throughout
The result is a fast-paced, heartwarming show that keeps young audiences entertained while offering a rich musical experience.
Impact
Leap Year premiered in July 2025 with three performances – one public family concert and two school shows – reaching approximately 300 children and family members across Nottingham.
Designed to reimagine classical music for young audiences, the show featured three Sinfonia Viva Musicians – Sophie Rosa, Matthew Dunn and Gareth Humphreys – with theatre and playful interaction. The result was a vibrant, accessible experience that resonated widely.
100% of teachers said they would now be more likely to engage with live classical music events with their class.
Audience feedback highlighted humour, emotional connection, and interactivity as key drivers of engagement.
Teachers praised how actively the children participated and how emotionally moved they were. Parents described the show as “riveting, hilarious, and brilliantly played,” while children responded with delight and curiosity.
Performers found the project creatively challenging yet deeply rewarding, with all confirming their expectations were fully met. They embraced the opportunity to explore new and innovative ways to present concerts, free from preconceived ideas, resulting in performances that felt truly embedded within Sinfonia Viva’s mission. The collaborative and improvisational nature of the process pushed them as artists and allowed meaningful connections with children and young audiences. Focused on delivering concerts of excellent musical and artistic quality for young people, the project was both innovative and inspiring. As one performer reflected, “I loved the project and felt like it pushed me as a performer, and I would love to do more of this kind of work!”
Leap Year broke down traditional concert barriers, creating an inclusive, imaginative space where classical music became a shared adventure. As one teacher summed up,
“Please provide more opportunities like this — the children were absolutely buzzing!”
This project stands as a compelling model for how live music can inspire, educate, and connect diverse communities — bringing the year’s seasons, and classical music, vividly to life.
Legacy and Future Plans
Leap Year represents a landmark collaboration between two East Midlands-based organisations – Sinfonia Viva and MishMash Productions – each with a commitment to artistic excellence and audience inclusion.
The project lays the foundation for:
- A touring model that brings Leap Year to more schools, concert halls, and community venues across 2025–26
- Educational partnerships with schools seeking to enrich their music provision
- New commissioning opportunities, using this model to reimagine further classical repertoire for young audiences
- Community engagement initiatives that bring live music to underrepresented groups
Leap Year sets a new benchmark for what family music performances can be – accessible, imaginative, and deeply joyful. Whether you’re a teacher introducing music for the first time, a parent seeking meaningful cultural experiences, or a child ready to explore the seasons through sound, Leap Year brings the calendar to life in a way that’s unforgettable.
As it continues its journey, it will keep opening ears, eyes, and hearts to the wonder of classical music – one month at a time.
