Strings News

Orchestra performs in assembly 

Orchestra gave its first performance of 2025 when it played two pieces in assembly on Monday 28th April, 2025. “Don Quixote” was rousingly adventure-like and “Mamba Samba” was suitably groovy. It was heart warming to see the children rise to the occasion of performing and lift their playing up a level. 

The Orchestra looks forward to performing again at the Open Morning Concert on Wednesday 14th May at 11am in the hall. 

Opera for children at Darebin Performing Arts Centre 

IPS Strings Co-ordinator, Margaret Butcher, will be performing with the Victorian Opera for a production of the children’s opera, “The Lyrebird’s Voice”. As well as performances in Frankston and Ringwood, there will be a performance at the Darebin Arts Centre on Friday 16th May, 6:30pm. 

“In this family-friendly opera, one trickster lyrebird goes a step too far and gets in trouble with their friends in the flock. The other birds banish the lyrebird and curse them: never again will the lyrebird be able to use their own voice. From now on, it’s mimicry only. 

Alone in the bush, the lyrebird meets a quirky assortment of Australian animals, where they discover the power of being different.  

This sweet story was developed by Peter Rutherford and six youth participants of the New Work Opera Studio 2023. Told with colour, Australian spirit and a big dose of humour, this opera imparts important lessons on identity and the ways in which we use our voice.” 

If you want to give your children a taste of opera, this is an accessible way to do it: 

https://www.victorianopera.com.au/production/the-lyrebirds-voice-2/#details