Abu dhabi: The UAE National Orchestra is set to launch its inaugural family concert series on May 14 with "Once Upon a Tune - The Carnival of the Animals," an interactive live performance aimed at introducing children and families to orchestral music.
According to Emirates News Agency, the concert will be held at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi and is designed for audiences of all ages. It will combine storytelling, interactive games, and on-screen animation to engage younger listeners with live orchestral performances. The concert invites audiences to participate, led by a narrator, in a participatory journey where children respond in real time through dancing, clapping, and simple call-and-response activities. These elements aim to help children understand music creation and its emotional impact in an engaging and memorable manner.
"Once Upon a Tune - The Carnival of the Animals" is the first concert in the UAE National Orchestra's new series, focused on introducing younger audiences to orchestral music through storytelling and interactive experiences. This initiative is part of the orchestra's mission to make music more accessible, nurture young audiences, and build a deeper connection between families and live performances in the UAE.
The programme begins with a guided introduction to music fundamentals, helping children understand the creation of music through notes, rhythm, and sound. This is followed by an interactive 'guessing game' focused on music and emotion. Here, the orchestra performs short excerpts and invites the audience to identify the feelings conveyed, with children expressing these emotions through movement.
At the heart of the concert is the renowned work "The Carnival of the Animals" by French composer Camille Saint-Sa«ns. This piece, consisting of 14 musical movements, represents different animals. Each animal's characteristics are brought to life through orchestral color and on-screen motion graphics, with a narrator guiding the audience through the story.
Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi, Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, emphasized the importance of introducing music at an early age to shape how future generations engage with culture. 'For many children, this is where that connection begins, where their curiosity grows, and their imagination comes to life,' she said, highlighting the concert's role in helping children connect with music.
Monica George, Artistic Planning Coordinator at the UAE National Orchestra, noted that "The Carnival of the Animals" provides a strong foundation for younger audiences, with each musical piece featuring a clear character and story. She added that interactive elements were introduced to allow audiences to engage directly with the music while preserving the work's distinctive qualities.