The Composer is Dead and Granpa sees Windmill and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra join forces for a unique celebration of story – telling through music and performance.
The worldwide phenomenon and charm of children’s character Lemony Snicket comes to life in The Composer is Dead. This ‘who done it’ mystery takes the audience on a witty investigative hunt through the orchestral instruments when a composer is discovered ‘lifeless’.
Lemony Snicket’s character was developed by children’s author Daniel Handler who has enjoyed international success with a number of children’s books. For The Composer is Dead San Francisco based composer Nathaniel Stookey joined forces with Handler with the aim of creating a work which introduces children to the pleasures of classical music in a fun and lively way that pays homage to some of histories greatest composers.
Howard Blake’s new hit Granpa, based on the animated film and children's illustrated story book by John Burningham follows the fantastic adventures of young Emily and her rambunctious elderly grandfather. Each time she visits him their dayto- day activities somehow transform into fantastic adventures. Caterpillars and spiders become giant, the house becomes Noah's Ark, and a rollercoaster turns into a Spitfire. Granpa is a beautiful and touching study of that special relationship between old and young.
The creative heart behind Granpa, Howard Blake is an accomplished pianist and composer who wrote Granpa in the form of a miniature opera. The production features narration by South Australian actor and children’s performer Paul Blackwell in addition to a children’s chorus.
ADELAIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - It‘s all about the music.
The Composer is Dead and Granpa, the production, is suitable for children aged 5 years and over and families. It will enjoy its Australian premiere season with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra from Thursday 12 - Saturday 14 June at the ASO’s Grainger Studio. With the Schools’ Season sold out and with no extension possible, tickets remain only for the General Public Season The creative team behind The Composer is Dead and Granpa is; Director Andy Packer; Set and Lighting Design; Geoff Cobham; Musical Director; Timothy Sexton. The cast comprises Paul Blackwell. -- www.aso.com.au
