But now, for the first time, the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra is taking its schools tour to Southland, with an entertaining programme that contains the James Bond theme tune.
From today until December 1, a group of six DSO musicians will visit 14 primary and intermediate schools in the Otago region, as well as seven in Invercargill and the wider Southland region, as part of its annual outreach programme to introduce children to classical music and orchestral instruments.
Marketing manager Pieter du Plessis said the concerts would feature music by Edvard Grieg, John Williams, Henry VIII (this English king was an avid musician, rumoured to be the composer of Greensleeves), and Johann Strauss II.
"We’ll even be performing the James Bond theme," he said.
"The DSO’s school tour performances play an important role in supporting and extending the music education already happening in schools, and igniting an interest in music in children’s minds.
"There’s nothing like seeing real people playing real orchestral instruments to cement the importance and wonder of music.
"We hope our schools tour will help create a new generation of players, concert goers and music listeners."
