Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra entertains Somerset schoolchildren with animal-themed interactive concert

HUNDREDS of children have had their first experience of an orchestral concert at the Westlands Entertainment Venue in Yeovil.

Some 821 Key Stage One pupils from 13 Somerset schools were invited to hear ‘Curious Creatures and Adventurous Animals’.

They heard stories and learned more about elephants, bees, birds, bears, fire and water during the hour-long concert. They also learned and performed a new song and practised body percussion.

Dougie Scarfe, chief executive of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said: “We exist to bring music into people’s lives — and our schools performances are a huge celebration of this, where you feel the immediate effects of live music.”

The Octagon will become Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s ‘home in Somerset’ when the theatre reopens following a £29.01m transformation.

Until then, performances will take place at Westlands Entertainment Venue, the Octagon’s sister venue.

Katherine Hoskins, arts engagement & outreach manager at Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue, said: “It was delightful to see hundreds of children and their teachers come together to enjoy and participate in a concert of this scale.

“For many this was the first time they had seen a live orchestra perform.”

The Octagon Theatre development will see the 622-seat theatre increase to 900 seats with improved acoustics in the main auditorium and additional performance and participatory spaces.