AROUND THE

BLOCK

Baroque

What is Baroque AROUND THE Block?

Baroque Around the Block is Armonico Consort’s ‘Horrible Histories’ answer to opera for children and families, exposing the lesser known facts that lie behind some of the greatest moments of Baroque music.

The most famous composers of all-time unload their baggage on an unsuspecting taxi driver - from Handel's weight problem to Bach’s ever-expanding family - in this fast and furious tale. Suitable for ages 8 upwards, this riotously entertaining and highly accessible production is the perfect introduction to classical music for school groups and families.

What is Baroque AROUND THE Block? Shaun Prendergast (Waterloo Road) plays a charismatic cab driver who finds himself picking up and dropping off Baroque composers, played by a multi-roling Nicholas Khan (Outnumbered).

As they hurtle in and out of his car, their conversations expose the drama which inspired the music of Gesueldo, Purcell, Handel, Vivaldi and Bach and the pair are accompanied by five singers who perform each composer’s music in technicolor ‘opera’ costumes, against the vivid backdrop of acartoon-esque set.

Music includes: Purcell - Drunken Poet from The Fairy Queen, Vivaldi - Nulla in Mundo Pax, Handel – O Monstrous Beast AND – Armonico Consort’s own Baroque MashUp!

Feedback from Baroque AROUND THE BlockStudents

Would you go and see another opera now? ‘I found it amazing. Opera’s not my thing, usually, but it was great!’ ‘I’ve never been to an opera before, so it was exciting. I definitely would, I did enjoy it’‘Definitely if it’s like yours!’

What was your favourite part of the show? ‘When the fat man got stuck in the hole in the wall!’ ‘When the man was sick in the case!’ ‘At the end when the cab man sang We Will Rock You!’

Would you recommend it to a friend? ‘Yes because it was very clever’

Feedback from Baroque AROUND THE BlockTeachers

‘I enjoyed the entire show. The children were particularly taken with the taxi driver! A number of children had not heard of Baroque or listened to any of the composers, so it was a great opportunity’ Catherine Watkins, Teaching Assistant.

‘I would definitely recommend Armonico Consort to another institution.The ‘Horrible Histories’ genre was a big selling point to the children, generating much enthusiasm prior to attending. I think that’s no mean feat – and the show delivered.’ Mr Foyle, year 5 teacher.

How does Baroque AROUND THE block fit into the National Curriculum?

RESPONDING AND REVIEWING - APPRAISING SKILLSPupils should be taught how to:

EXPLORE AND EXPLAIN THEIR OWN IDEAS AND FEELINGS ABOUT MUSIC USING MOVEMENT, DANCE, EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE AND MUSICAL

VOCABULARY Experienced providers of Music Education nationwide, working on behalf of the

Royal Albert Hall, Armonico Consort can provide a follow-up lesson plan with links to recordings of the music, so that students are able to explore their

response to the piece.

LISTENING, AND APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDINGPupils should be taught:

TO LISTEN WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL Armonico Consort can provide information about the performance for teachers prior to

the show, so that if deemed appropriate, students can be given prompt questions about the musical content of the piece, encouraging them to listen with attention to detail.

HOW THE COMBINED MUSICAL ELEMENTS OF PITCH, DURATION, DYNAMICS, TEMPO, TIMBRE, TEXTURE AND SILENCE CAN BE ORGANISED WITHIN

MUSICAL STRUCTURES AND USED TO COMMUNICATE DIFFERENT MOODS AND EFFECTS

Baroque Around the Block spans comedy to tragedy, demonstrating how the different musical elements of Baroque music have been employed to create different moods and

effects.

How does Baroque AROUND THE block fit into the National Curriculum?

HOW MUSIC IS PRODUCED IN DIFFERENT WAYS Baroque Around the Block provides a unique opportunity to see and hear a live orchestra of professional musicians playing on period instruments. It also allows pupils to see and hear opera singers perform live, projecting unamplified sound.

HOW TIME AND PLACE CAN INFLUENCE THE WAY MUSIC IS CREATED, PERFORMED AND HEARD [FOR EXAMPLE, THE EFFECT OF OCCASION

AND VENUE].The opera provides a great deal of context as to how and why Baroque

composers produced their music, as well as giving students the opportunity to see and hear music performed in a theatre venue to a live audience.

How does Baroque AROUND THE Block fit into the National Curriculum?

Please can you draw Baroque AROUND THE Block