Louise Bevan (violin) and Clea Friend (cello) set up 'Recitals for Wrigglers' in 2014. Their aim was to create informal classical concerts for babies, toddlers and their parents.
All programmes are built around a theme, for example The Hare and the Tortoise, which explores fast and slow, or Wriggle Around the World (Edinburgh Fringe sell-out in 2015 & 2016) which features music from around the world.
Each recital is 30 minutes long so as to engage and challenge toddlers without losing their interest. The first 15 minutes involve standard classical repertoire. Then the musicians tell a story – a traditional fable or myth, using language and concepts that will be familiar to the toddler or pre-schooler. The story is punctuated by short musical excerpts to illustrate various points. At the end of the show, the children are invited to join in with percussion instruments.
2021 will include an online concert series with a monthly programme.
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“Utterly beautiful” The List
“Magical” Primary Times