Funharmonics concert - Transport of Delight

We arrived reasonably early to the try an instrument and circus skills in the South Bank Centre's Clore ballroom but already it was busy and noisy, to start with The Buggies kept their distance; however after a little customising and cajoling both bigger buggies tried a violin and buggy-B (3 yrs) also had a go at a 'Cello. The event staff worked with them with such confidence and assurance that they both got a huge amount out of the experience; full marks for this.

The concert, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, was a good balance of music against activity. Including a set of animations put together using drawing from a London primary school; this, I thought was particularly effective. The show was based around a transport theme, although this theme was sometimes rather over-tried in order to ensure a steady streem of popular tunes. That said, the best way to pressent music to young children, in my mind at least, is to provide a good supply of popular tunes in a relaxed, tolorant atmosphear with a confident and enthusiastic pressenter; full marks for this also.

There now seem to be a good number of groups providing music for young people. As we left my Grand-bug commented that when she was a girl she had to wait until she was seven before being allowed to a concert; what an oppotunity we have today!

What: Concert and try an instrument
Where: Royal Festival Hall (South Bank Centre)
Getting there: Walk from Waterloo or Embankment; map
Cost: £4 - £7 (Children) £8 - £14 (Adults)
Again: Yes; the group do three concerts a year
Try: BBC Children's Prom or concerts by Atarah Ben-Tovim
Top tip: Turn up early to try an instrument and work out where your having lunch in advance. Giraffe will be busy!