Ahead of the Ryedale Festival’s Concerteenies family concerts this summer, we caught up with Polly Ives, co-founder of the initiative and concert presenter.
“For most children who experience one of our concerts it is the very first time they’ve seen an instrument up close. There are a lot of ‘wows’ and wide eyes” admits Polly. “One of the wonderful things about working with early years children is they give you such an instant reaction”.
Polly and renowned composer Paul Rissmann have been creating new award-winning music for children and young people since 2006. But during the Covid-19 pandemic they came up with the idea of creating modern musical stories to inspire future generations with a twist – they would be performed by just a solo instrument and narrator. They researched hundreds of children’s books to decide which would work best before matching them with a musical instrument.
“By presenting music through a story it makes it really accessible and fun. Some children will have read the books so it is about introducing other elements to make it a sensory experience, and bringing the story to life. And if they haven’t read them that’s OK too! Everyone can sing, dance, clap along and we can enjoy it all together”.
“We looked for stories that have a really strong message for children or that are very engaging with vivid imagery that lends itself to musical instruments. At the Ryedale Festival this year we’re performing Mixed, which is based on an inspiring children’s book about colour. The full and beautiful sound of the harp really helps tell the story.”
After proving a hit in Sheffield, Concerteenies: Musical Stories is being rolled out across the country, where it will reach more than 6,000 children and adults.
Make sure you don’t miss out when it comes to York, Malton, and Scarborough on 23-25 July this year.
There are also additional concert opportunities for pre-crawling babies (and their grown-ups). Come along to relax, listen, sleep, enjoy sensory elements, and learn simple baby massage techniques.
For more information and tickets head over to www.ryedalefestival.com/family-fun
