Working in harmony - Perform with the Sydney Symphony musicians!

"No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it." - H.E. Luccock

The Toy Symphony

The Royal & Sun Alliance group are invited to take to the stage and join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra musicians for a 30 minute rehearsal of Leopold Mozart's Toy Symphony.

Originally the Toy Symphony was attributed to Joseph Haydn but after many years of scholarly debate it has been decided that Leopold Mozart (father of Wolfgang) wrote it in 1760.

Few amateur musicians are able to claim they have performed with Sydney Symphony Orchestra musicians. Working in harmony, participants are able to experience the excitement of taking part in a live performance. As for all concerts the group gathers before entering the performance hall. Using the element of surprise they are asked to take their place in the 'orchestra' and pick up the instrument placed in front of them. These include ratchets, whistles, trumpets and castanets (Some of these can be give-aways).

The lights go down in the auditorium, the conductor enters with baton in hand and the realisation hits. They are a vital part of the Sydney Symphony Toy Orchestra and the show must go on!

With no prior musical knowledge required, the conductor divides the Toy Orchestra into sections, gives them a rhythm and leads the group through the score. The music is carried by the string quartet of Sydney Symphony musicians and in the end they almost sound in tune!

An ideal opportunity for the group to understand the importance of "Working in Harmony". The conductor can be creative and ask individuals from the group to play a solo or conduct the Toy Orchestra for the Finale performance.