A Carnival of Animals

A Carnival of Animals came from an idea by MDO (Mildura District Orchestra) oboist/clarinettist and librarian, Liz Lawrence, who was inspired by Michael Morpurgo’s collection of poems based on French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ ‘The Carnival of the Animals’, a suite of 14 movements about various animals.
MDO will play a collection of these movements during the concert, as well as other animal-themed pieces such as ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ and ‘The Thievish Magpie’. Some pieces will feature solos by members of MDO, such as ‘The Swan’ on cello and ‘The Elephant’ on double bass.

MDO will be conducted by Donald Mayne.
Dancers from Mildura Ballet and Dance Guild will perform to some of the pieces.
Each piece of music will begin with Russ Gittins reading a poem written by either Michael Morpurgo or our very own Liz Lawrence.
Artwork by local schools and artists will be projected behind the musicians.

The show is suitable for people of all ages, from children to adults. A visual story will be available to support everyone to attend.