Ludwig van Beethoven used to be a great composer, but lately he’s lost his mojo!
Seeking joy, he’s come to Parramatta to try his hand at something new: working as a cruise boat tour guide. But alas! His boat and everyone aboard has run aground on a sandbank, halting their holiday and blocking the local eels’ migration path. If Beethoven and his new-found friend Eelvira don’t refloat the boat quickly, none of them will make it to the Coral Sea!
But can humans and eels really learn to work together before the tide goes out and they all get stuck for good?
Welcome to ALL ABOARD WITH BEETHOVEN, the new kids’ proms concert from Parramatta’s own symphonic choir, River City Voices. Teaming up with Western Sydney Youth Orchestra, and featuring local Biripi actor and singer Elias Wilson, the singers of River City Voices will delight the young and young at heart with rollicking songs, pantomime, classical music, puppetry (and the occasional fart joke) in a joyous romp with an uplifting message about the importance of harmony – in more ways than one!
For Elias Wilson, who will play the cranky composer, this unique show performs a special role. ‘I’m always looking for ways to break down barriers between audiences and classical music,’ he says, ‘so the opportunity to bring the towering figure of Beethoven down to earth in this fun show for kids and families is a real treat. I’m excited about the way this show weaves the music and legacy of Beethoven together with the cultural stories of the Burramattagal, in a way that is both beautifully musical and a whole lot of fun for the family!’
Presented in the iconic PHIVE in Parramatta Square, this concert is the perfect introduction for young children and families to classical music through the wondrous workings of a 50+ voice choir headed up by the talented western Sydney musicians of Western Sydney Youth Orchestra. Founding Conductor, James Pensini, says the orchestra is keen to provide not just orchestral magic, but some of the hilarious sound effects: ‘We can’t wait to show you what happens when Beethoven meets a Cruise Ship in Parramatta!’
And of course, this interactive concert is immersed in wonderful music – Beethoven, Strauss, Mozart, Nick Cave, and local composer Elizabeth Sheppard. ‘There’ll be chances for the audience to join in the mayhem, so bring your singing voices and maybe even your dancing shoes,’ says River City Voices’ Artistic Director Sarah Penicka-Smith. ‘And don’t forget to wear your holiday outfits, just in case we make it onto that cruise ship after all!’
Beethoven: Elias Wilson

Conductors: Dr Sarah Penicka-Smith | Dr. Sadaharu Muramatsu

River City Voices
Western Sydney Youth Orchestra
Piano: Kevin Wang
Lead Scriptwriter: Lou Merrington
Lights on Theatre – Shadow Puppetry


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DATE: Saturday 23 November
TIMES: 11.30am, 1.30pm, 4.00pm
VENUE: Discovery Space, PHIVE Parramatta
For more information click here
