HOT: MSO Jams for Juniors, Melbourne
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra have been running their popular Jams for Juniors program for under 5s for many years, but this is their first time to the National Gallery of Victoria.
And what a spectacular setting it is for a classical music concert!
Originally the concert we are invited to attend is in the Great Hall but at the last minute it changes to the 17th and 18th century paintings gallery. This is in fact a better space, as it is more enclosed and away from the distractions of the forecourt, the sculpture garden and Leonard French's stained glass ceiling.
Although Tieopolo's Banquet of Cleopatra is a pretty stunning backdrop!
Each Jams for Juniors is a 30 minute session where kids aged 0-5 and their carers play along with musicians from the orchestra.
The kids have maracas, castanets and bells and are encouraged to bang, hit and shake them while also learning about rhythm and melody.
We are aptly playing music from Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and keep a keen eye on the conductor to know when to stop and when to go!
Note that the gallery's bare walls and floors, plus the enhanced sound from microphones and speakers, means that the volume can get loud. If you have a child who's sensitive to loud noises then sit at the back.
At the end of the concert you can get closer to the instruments and have a bang of a snare drum or see a cello string being plucked.
The next MSO Jams for Juniors concert is also at the NGV before moving to the Iwaki Auditorium for the rest of the year.
While you're at the NGV make time to check out Atelier: Viktor & Rolf for Kids and the NGV Car Wash!
HOT Tips:
- pram access (via lifts);
- seating is on the floor;
- every adult and child requires a ticket;
- Other family friendly exhibitions at the NGV include Atelier: Viktor & Rolf for Kids and the NGV Car Wash;
- The Gallery Cafe has high chairs, pram access and a kids lunchbox.
MSO Jams for Juniors, National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Next concert Sat 25 March 10, 11, 12, 1pm
Future concerts (number 3-8) at Iwaki Auditorium Southbank
Giveaway!
Thanks to Melbourne Symphony Orchestra I have 1 x double pass (1 adult and 1 child) pass to the next MSO Jams for Juniors concert on Saturday 25 March 12pm.
To win just follow the instructions below. The winner will be chosen randomly after midnight Monday 20 February and notified via email regarding pickup information. Good luck!
Love the idea of little ones playing along with the pros in such an inspiring environment :)
Trying to keep the beat with the musicians sounds like great fun!
Such a fun memorable experience to share with my little one. I would love to see him take it all in on the day the sounds of the music, the atmosphere of NGV, the other kids enjoying themselves and my little guy proudly dancing and creating music himself!
He’d love the chance to make a heap of noise with all the instruments!
Sounds fantastic! I love that the kiddos can play along!!
Would love to win this for my little one
Would love to win this for my little one
Having been to MSOs Jams for Juniors they are outstanding! High quality music presented in a ways that kids can access and parents can understand with an emphasis on inclusion and learning. “Music for all” is the mantra and Karen the leader is a masterful pedagogue and presenter. Get involved!
My little girl is learning music and it will make her get to understand and expand her music skill to next level.
That happens to be my daughters 5th birthday! It would be so wonderful to be able to take her. She loves music and art!
Would definitely love to win this prize for my music loving 4 year old daughter. I think she would be awestruck and inspired as she would love to learn an instrument but can’t seem to pick which one!
My boy is just starting to get into music!
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