Storytelling Encore Success: Featuring New and Returning Musicians
- concertsforallsydn
- Apr 20
- 5 min read
13 April 2025, Glebe — Concerts for All presented an encore of their highly successful animal-themed storytelling concert at Master Music Studio. Following the March performance that sold out completely, this second presentation welcomed both returning audience members and new families experiencing classical music for the first time. The enchanting narrative of "The Silent Forest" once again brought classical music to life through storytelling, featuring both returning and new exceptional young musicians alongside Concerts for All music educators Yichao Ma and Nathan Inkiriwang.
New and Returning Musicians
The concert featured a mix of returning performers and newcomers, each bringing their unique musical voice to the narrative. Rather than simply presenting classical pieces, each performance was woven into the story—the bouncy notes of "Plink, Plank, Plunk" restoring voices to small creatures in the forest floor, while the majestic Bach Cello Suite gave voice to the magnificent elephant.
Returning performers Erica Zhu and Charlotte Mok built upon their March performances with newfound confidence. Erica further captured the characteristics of the lark, her playing soaring in certain sections as though a bird in flight. Charlotte's cello playing was particularly noteworthy, offering more nuanced phrasing that perfectly captured the elephant's dignified presence as the only string instrument in the programme.
New performers added fresh energy to the story. Renee Tang and Brandon Xie, both students of educator Samuel Dharma, made impressive Concerts for All debuts.
7-year-old Kathy Piao, a regular performer at the organisation's events including the 2024 Opera House Gala Concert, also participated and brought her sensitive touch to Chopin's Nocturne in C sharp Minor. Kathy's rendition not only represented the swan in the story, but her nuanced performance with its impressive dynamic range visibly moved the audience.
Music educators Yichao Ma and Nathan Inkiriwang performed as characters in the story, playing the two researchers whose musical journey forms the backbone of the narrative. Their piano duets guided the audience through the enchanted forest, with Yichao Ma, Concerts for All's director, presiding over the event while simultaneously performing within it.
The Story: Young Maestros Restore Voices to the Silent Forest
"The Silent Forest" follows two researchers who discover that animals in a once-vibrant forest have mysteriously lost their voices. Through the power of music, each performance restores different animals' abilities to communicate, creating an immersive experience that connects classical pieces to the characteristics of various creatures.
This creative framework serves a dual purpose: engaging young audience members through storytelling while teaching them to recognise and appreciate specific musical elements. Children learn to hear the connection between quick, playful notes and scampering forest creatures, or between flowing melodies and the graceful movements of a swan.
The storytelling format was particularly effective at maintaining children's engagement, with many responding to the musical characteristics that matched each animal's movements and traits. The wise, whimsical, magical cat was a favourite: it popped as a guide in various scenes, even briefly after the finale, prompting a chuckle from the audience.
Music Trivia: A Pre-Concert Challenge
As with all Concerts for All events, the concert began with the organisation's signature Music Trivia game, where the audience identified famous classical pieces and composers to win prizes. This interactive element sets the tone for active listening throughout the performace.
Instrument Exploration for All
The post-concert instrument exploration session was even more popular during this encore performance. Charlotte Mok generously demonstrated the cello to numerous curious children and even some interested adults. Meanwhile, Yichao Ma personally guided audience members as they tried their hand at the violin, adjusting small hands into proper position and helping produce first notes.
This hands-on component aligns perfectly with Concerts for All's mission to make classical music accessible and engaging, allowing attendees to move from audience members to active participants.
Building Musical Communities
Concerts for All continuously reaches out to more music educators across Sydney, believing in the importance of strengthening the formative aspect of music education. This concert exemplifies the organisation's commitment to providing meaningful performance opportunities while developing appreciative audiences.
Since its inception in March 2024, the organisation has received growing interest from young musicians eager to participate. To date, Concerts for All has featured 66 outstanding performers across its regular classical music events throughout Sydney. The overwhelming audience response and heartwarming feedback have been powerful catalysts for the organisation's program expansion.
Interested performers, new and returning, have been signing up free of charge on the organisation's website (register as a performer).
Upcoming Events: Concerts and a Special Anniversary
As Concerts for All continues its 2025 concert series, its diverse concert formats demonstrate how classical music can be presented in ways that engage new audiences while providing valuable performance opportunities for young musicians—a perfect alignment with its mission to nurture the classical musicians and audiences of the future.
More Musical Storytelling
Concerts for All will present another storytelling concert on 29 April at 4:30 pm, also at the Master Music Studio. This performance will feature a return of the popular Garden-Themed story from last year, offering another opportunity for families to experience the magic of classical music through creative storytelling.
Standard Concert Format
On 18 May, Concerts for All will present a standard concert format, allowing young musicians to explore pieces outside of a themed framework. Performers will open with interesting introductions to their pieces, ensuring newcomers feel welcomed and leave with greater knowledge about classical music. The popular Music Trivia and Hands-On Instrument exploration components will still be included.
First Anniversary Celebration with Joshua Han
Concerts for All will celebrate its first anniversary with special performances by Australian pianist and international prizewinner Joshua Han. These celebratory events will take place on 15 and 16 May at Master Music Studio.
The milestone event invites guests to discover the organisation's mission and collectively shape the future of music education in Sydney. Joshua Han will present a compelling programme featuring works by Bartók, Liszt, Fauré, and Chopin, performed on a Steinway B-211 grand piano generously provided by Theme & Variations to the venue.
The anniversary celebration will include:
Joshua Han's piano performances
An engaging Q&A session exploring the artist's musical development and journey
Light refreshments and networking opportunities
Exclusive previews of forthcoming Concerts For All initiatives
Professional portraits available for guests, with event photography sponsored by My Tiny Universe Photography
More exciting initiatives are coming soon, including an Emerging Artist program, a partnership with a historical Sydney public space, and a fun challenge for young – and young at heart – classical concertgoers. Stay tuned! Follow us on our socials (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
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