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The Mayor and his Bear join kids for special concert


A special concert for children and their teddy bears is being performed at the Moot Hall later this month at the special invitation of Colchester Mayor, Councillor Mr Henry Spyvee and the Colne Valley Youth Orchestra.


The Teddy Bears Concert, a musical event created for young children, is being performed by young musicians from the Colchester-based youth orchestra on Sunday, January 24 at 2.30pm and will help raise money for the Mayor's Charities. 

The programme includes well known popular classical tunes like Strauss’ Radetzky March and the Can-Can from Orpheus and the Underworld, together with sing-along nursery numbers like the Ugly Duckling and of course the concert’s namesake, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Children are encouraged to bring along their favourite teddy and to join in with the orchestra on percussion instruments for some of the numbers and even have the chance to conduct the orchestra. 

Orchestra musical director Nigel Hildreth said: "This very special concert is a great way to introduce young children to playing a musical instrument or even playing in an orchestra. They can see for themselves all the different instruments and other youngsters who are not too much older then themselves playing together and having fun creating great music." 

The Mayor, who will be guest of honour at the concert, added: "I can't think of a better way for a family to spend a Sunday afternoon. I hope mums and dads, grandmas and grandads will all turn out with their youngsters and grandchildren and join me for this really lovely and very worthwhile event." 

The concert has been part-sponsored this year by Mann's Music and Palladian Press. Tickets are available in advance from the Mayor’s Office or Mann’s Music Shop or on the day on the door. Adults £5, Under 16s £3.50 and Under 2s get in for free. There is also the chance to buy a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for £15.

Youth Orchestra members make music for the Oyster Feast

Colne Valley Youth Orchestra members entertained a highly appreciative audience at this year's Oyster Feast.

Rachel Hodkinson was awarded the Malcolm Arnold Trophy at the CVYO Gala Concert 2009