How it Works: Pui Fan Lee and the Orchestra of Opera North

Former Teletubby and much-loved Cbeebies presenter Pui Fan Lee takes apart the Orchestra of Opera North in this fun, family-friendly concert for all ages.

Pui, who has introduced a generation of children to the joy of words and storytelling with Show Me Show Me, will turn her attention to the language of music for this engaging afternoon, breaking down the barriers, explaining the traditions and exposing the myths surrounding the orchestra.

Each colour-coded section of the ensemble will take its turn under the microscope as Pui uses well-known pieces of music to give a unique insight into its workings, in part and as a whole. There will be a chance to find out how the Orchestra conjures up the Storm from Britten’s Peter Grimes, with its huge waves of strings, brass and pounding percussion, and how it transforms itself into Villa Lobos’ Little Train of Caipira, complete with chugging engine and woodwind whistle.

Perfect for young and old alike, How it Works also includes one of the very best known works in classical music, the first movement from Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and the Infernal Dance from Stravinsky’s Firebird, familiar from Disney’s Fantasia 2000. The Town Hall’s huge 1891 Father Willis Organ comes under the spotlight for the Maestoso from Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony, which appears in the soundtracks of the Babe films.

Before the concert, there will be a chance to get hands-on with a whole range of musical instruments in the Old Court Room, within the Town Hall building, from 3.15pm. All seats for the concert cost £12, or just £6 for under 16s.

For more information visit https://tickets.kirklees.gov.uk/en-GB/shows/orchestra%20of%20opera%20north%20(ns)%20-%20how%20it%20works/info