School visit by musicians

Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi were among the musicians whose work was shared with pupils at Tainui School yesterday, as part of the Southern Sinfonia's annual schools tour.

Sinfonia member Sandra Crawshaw, who has participated in the tours since they began some six years ago, said she was pleased to note a growing awareness of orchestral music among pupils and recognition of familiar pieces.

During the tours, which this year will include a visit to Ranfurly, six or seven members of the Sinfonia explain their instruments to the children and "play as much music as we can".

It was hoped that such visits encouraged an interest in the music and might also inspire some children to want to take up an instrument, she said.

Between 1500 and 1800 pupils will have had a taste of the Sinfonia when the tour finishes later this month.