Write your own version: Back to the Sea / Run from the Storm

A Music in the Round storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, and a whale washed up on the beach, and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by Music in the Round's Children’s Composer-in-Residence, Paul Rissmann.  

Perfect for 3– 7-year-olds, this is a fun introduction to classical music, brimming with wonderful tunes, memorable songs, and plenty of chances to join in. 

“The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” 
- The New York Times on the book

"The Ensemble 360 musicians showed the young audience the joy of live theatre, music and storytelling... There was a particularly lovely moment at the end of the show where our two girls were dancing hand-in-hand and singing to each other during a song about friendship. It was one of those things that will live long in the memory." ★★★★★
- The Yorkshire Post on the premiere performance

Narrator | Caroline Hallam

Flute | Charlotte Ashton
Oboe | Kenny Sturgeon
Clarinet | Peter Sparks
Bassoon | Flo Plane
Horn | Naomi Atherton
Piano | Benjamin Powell
Violin | Benjamin Nabarro
Violin | Claudia Ajmone-Marsan
Viola | Rachel Roberts
Cello | Ashok Clouda
Double Bass | Ronan Dunne

Recording, recorder and mixing | Benjamin Tassie

With many thanks to all our funders, including: Mayfield Valley Arts Trust, The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, Gripple Foundation, JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

The Big Lightship

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Clarinet Quintet Op.10, Movement 4

The Consone Quartet play the inspiration pieces for WeCompose at key Stage 3

Franz Schubert, String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, 'Death & the Maiden', Movement 2

Music in the Round

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