The last Cushion Concert for the year was a special celebration to mark 10 years entertaining and engaging preschoolers with a diverse range of live performances.
The Cushion Concerts program at The Capital began in December 2013 with a piano performance by Millie Heinrich for 50 children and their carers.
The program has since presented 99 concerts featuring 700 performers and attracted over 6,000 audience members.
As the program name suggests, cushions are laid out on the floor and performances are no more than 40 minutes in duration.
Manager Bendigo Venues & Events Julie Amos said Cushion Concerts provided a unique experience for young children.
“The idea from the start has been to provide an accessible first live music experience for a very young audience in a relaxed and friendly environment that is informal, fun, and low cost,” Ms Amos said.
“One of the key elements of the program has been encouraging children to explore a range of musical styles and not limit the performances to what might be deemed ‘children’s music’.
“We know that children learn through play and our music and movement experiences tap into this play state and encourage children to respond, experiment and imagine.
“Performances have included national and international touring artists, local professional and amateur musicians as well as students from local secondary schools.
“We are delighted to celebrate this wonderful 10th year milestone that has given young families the opportunity to experience a diverse range of live performances in that time.
“To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we presented a special birthday celebration last Wednesday (December 6) at The Capital featuring the wonderful MaCapella singers.”
Highlights over the years include:
- Zubin Kanga performing as part of Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music climbing all over the piano in a program of contemporary piano music
- Regular visits from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria
- Andy Rigby singing songs he made up on the way to the program (and then showing the children how he makes most of his instruments himself)
- Simon Tedeschi starting his recital with a Wiggles tribute then ending with an extended Bach partita
- Launching the tent and Coming to a Cushion Concert book in 2018 (thanks to funding from Creative Victoria. The book can be purchased at The Capital box office and is $5)