Children come out to play

By Nadia Dimattina

The Music Play Children’s Festival is back for it’s eighth year to entertain children and their families this summer.

The Children’s Festival will be held at Melbourne Recital centre between January 11 and January 14.

Director of Artistic Planning at Melbourne Recital Centre, Marshall McGuire said the location was perfect for this festival.

“Melbourne Recital Centre is the best place to discover music, no matter what age, and Music Play allows children to do just this, play instruments and make a lot of noise,” he said.

The festival will feature a program of big and mini concerts, workshops and free foyer activities with something for the whole family to enjoy.

Popular entertainers, performers and teachers in the industry will get involved to provide an entertaining and educational experience for the children.

This year is full of surprises and will bring a big concert with the premiere of a brand new show from television’s Play School presenter, Justine Clarke, Look Look It’s a Gobbledygook.

Cabaret star Ali McGregor has created a mini concert for the whole family to enjoy with her jazz band and very special guest comedians.

Music therapist and song writing specialist Dr Emma O’Brien will lead a creative journey for the first time this year from a blank page to an original song.

Mr McGuire believes music therapists can enable children to create music without any skills required.

“This encourages children to bring their ideas and they are able to see and hear their songs unfold. No music skills needed just a song in their hearts,” he said.

Alongside the many concerts on offer, families and children can experience music making first hand at one of the four workshops.

In addition to ticketed events, Melbourne Recital Centre has a variety of free activities throughout the foyers.

“Free foyer fun, the Magic Harp, hit the Gong Wall, snap a picture in the photo booth or have your face painted, come and join the fun,” Mr McGuire said.

Ticket prices range between $10-$30. For more information and to book tickets visit melbournerecital.com.au