Bristol Beacon 5/6: CBeebies Prom – Ocean Adventure

Dani Howard
Argentum (excerpt)

Dominique Le Gendre
Dolphin Dance

Georg Philipp Telemann
Wassermusik – overture

Maurice Ravel
Mother Goose Suite – No. 5: The Fairy Garden

Benjamin Britten
Four Sea Interludes from ‘Peter Grimes’ – Storm

Mason Bates
Whalesong

Eleanor Alberga
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Celebration Dance

Andy Day (presenter)
Puja Panchkoty (presenter)

Sinfonia Smith Square
Kwamé Ryan

The first of two CBeebies Proms today (same programme), offered a vibrant afternoon where the exuberance of childhood met the sophistication of classical music. It was a carefully crafted event designed to cater to the boundless energy and short attention spans of young children, while still providing an enriching experience for adults. Guided by the affable Andy Day and Puja Panchkoty of Andy’s Adventures, the journey through the depths of the ocean was as informative as it was entertaining, with the visual delight of beloved CBeebies characters like Love Monster, JoJo & GranGran, Hey Duggee, and even the Australian export Bluey projected on the screen above the orchestra.

The programme opened with a truncated version of Dani Howard’s Argentum, a piece originally composed for Classic FM’s 25th anniversary. Though its brevity left some yearning for more, the scintillating woodwinds and bold brass interjections set a sparkling tone for what was to come. However, the decision to abridge this already concise work was somewhat disappointing, especially given its potential to captivate even the youngest listeners with its effervescent charm.

Following this, Dominique Le Gendre’s Dolphin Dance, commissioned specifically for this Prom, offered a more abstract evocation of the ocean. The woodwind, percussion, and double basses created a soundscape reminiscent of the seashore, with steel pans adding a playful touch as they represented the dolphins in the accompanying video. While melodically sparse, the piece succeeded in painting an aural picture of the ocean’s rhythmic ebb and flow.

Telemann’s Wassermusik provided a lively interlude, accompanied by a visually engaging segment on sea horses. The audience was informed of the sea horses’ unique ability to camouflage and survive in clean waters. The orchestra and audience alike joined in clapping to the music, albeit with some timing discrepancies, but the enthusiasm in the hall was palpable.

Ravel’s Fairy Garden from Mother Goose followed, bringing a touch of whimsy to the proceedings. This delicate, four-minute gem was paired with fun facts about starfish, much to the delight of the children who giggled at the revelation that starfish poop out of their mouths.

A segment on the environmental perils facing our oceans was anchored by a short piece from the Go Jetters, another CBeebies success. The serious message about oceanic pollution was delivered with a light touch, though it was somewhat jarring to hear the American term “garbage” instead of the more familiar “rubbish.” Nevertheless, the ecological imperative was made abundantly clear.

Mason Bates’ Whalesong, performed under the baton of Kwamé Ryan, brought a more contemplative mood to the afternoon. The use of percussion and recorded whale song to depict a lone whale searching for its pod was both haunting and majestic. However, by this point, the younger members of the audience began to grow restless. Despite the piece’s atmospheric beauty, it struggled to maintain the children’s attention – a reminder that even the most carefully curated concerts can face challenges when catering to a very young audience.

The concert concluded on a high note with Eleanor Alberga’s Celebration Dance from her score for Roald Dahl’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Drawing from Alberga’s Caribbean roots, the music was vibrant and full of life, providing a fitting and uplifting finale to an afternoon that managed to both educate and entertain.

Overall, the CBeebies Prom: Ocean Adventure succeeded in its mission to introduce young children to the wonders of classical music while keeping them engaged through familiar characters and interactive elements. The concert’s thoughtful programming, combined with the infectious energy of Andy Day and Puja Panchkoty, made for an afternoon that was as delightful as it was educational, despite a few moments where the pacing faltered.