Music has a way of sparking imagination, transporting us to another world and sometimes bringing out the inner child in us all. Under the baton of Andrew Leach the Inner West Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) is embracing that spirit with Peter and the Wolf, a concert that will delight kids, engage young musicians and stir up a bit of nostalgia for those who grew up on these sounds.
This isn’t just a concert; it’s an adventure. At the heart is Sergei Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and the Wolf’, a musical masterpiece, with narration by local tenor, Adrian McEniery. Each character – Peter, the bird, the cat, even the wolf – is represented by a different instrument, making it one of the most entertaining ways to see an orchestra in action. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, there’s something magical about how Prokofiev turns a bunch of notes into a story.
And that’s just the beginning. The program also features Brahms’ boisterous ‘Academic Festival Overture’, a piece that makes student drinking songs sound grand – joyful, triumphant and a bit cheeky. Then there’s Britten’s ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’, a high-energy romp that showcases the brilliance of every section of the symphony. And to finish with a little surprise, the IWSO will take a leap into the world of gaming with the ‘Super Mario Galaxy Symphonic Suite’, because orchestral music isn’t just about the classics – it’s about adventure, excitement and a bit of fun.
A Local Artist’s Take on a Classic
Rose Rudin, a 14-year-old local artist, is the creative force behind the concert poster. Working in a digital medium with a 70s-inspired colour palette, she’s captured the warmth and nostalgia of Peter and the Wolf with a modern twist.
After her mum explained the story of Peter and the Wolf to her, these were the images that formed in Rose’s mind—bold, colourful, and evocative of a time when storytelling felt tactile and alive. There’s something truly special about a young artist reinterpreting a classic, reminding us that these stories continue to evolve with each new generation.
Artist: Rose Rudin: From initial concept to the final design.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians
One of the highlights of the night will be a special performance by the String Ensemble from Footscray City Primary School, led by conductor Emma Rudin. For these young musicians this is more than just another school concert, it’s a chance to play with a full scale symphony orchestra, to perform for a larger audience and to see what’s possible when passion meets opportunity.
Moments like this matter. They plant the seeds of inspiration, showing young musicians that music isn’t just something you do in a classroom, it’s something that brings people together, tells stories and creates lifelong memories.
Join the Adventure!
Whether you’re introducing a child to the magic of orchestral music, reminiscing about childhood classics or just looking for a concert that’s a little fun, a little quirky and a whole lot brilliant Peter and the Wolf is one not to be missed.
📅 Date: April 27th
📍 Location: Williamstown Town Hall
🎶 Presented by: The Inner West Symphony Orchestra
See you there!