Although our concert hall orchestra created a “sea of music” that washed over the Great Hall as a live visual accompaniment, nobody needed wellies or swimming trunks. Composers have, however, set rivers and seas to music so skilfully that the audience aged 7 and above really got into the ‘flow’ while listening – and immediately recognised Smetana’s ‘Vltava’: “We’ve got that at home, Dad!” But sitting in front of the whole orchestra made it even more exciting.

A drum comedy for everyone aged 5 and over took place in the Werner-Otto-Saal, where Schlagwerk Voermans had moved their kitchen. Just before Charly’s big birthday dinner, there was a flurry of activity here: chopping, stirring, seasoning, setting the table and sweeping the floor. So far, so normal? Not quite! Because Maren and Mark Voermans are a brilliant percussion duo, their everyday activities, performed with perfect timing, produced a cacophony of rhythms and sounds that surprised and delighted audiences of all ages. Try that at home!

The little ones aged 3 to 12 months were inspired to blissful movement by delicate, varied harp music and a dancer, allowing parents as well to forget the challenges of everyday life for a short time.

Grab the cello – ready – go!  But that wasn’t all: Tiny violins, violas and even a double bass were waiting in the Small Hall to be tried out. And for anyone who found four strings not enough, a mini harp was just the thing. Our digital exhibition, featuring the orchestra box, virtual quartet and video station, proved popular once again.