MUSICAL FAIRY TALES: MISCHIEF IN THE MEADOW

Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra

Conductor: Euan Safey

Narrator: Jane Tankersley

Soloists: Jennifer Rogers (Cello) and Steve Webb (Tuba)

24 August 2025, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts

A Lion in the Meadow (NZ) by Philip Norman - story by Margaret Mahy

The Swan from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns

The Elephant from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns

Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev

On Sunday in the Concert Chamber at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra (TWSO) presented its mid-winter family-friendly programme titled "Musical Fairy Tales: Mischief in the Meadow." This 40-minute programme of three sections was just the right length for all ages who attended the sold-out performance. 

The opening piece was Margaret Mahy's A Lion in the Meadow composed by Philip Norman in 2009. The pages of the classic story were projected above the orchestra, and it was spellbinding for all the little pairs of eyes and ears in the audience. Norman's orchestration was witty and fun, and the pacing in respect of the narration was excellent.

The Swan from Camille Saint-Saëns The Carnival of Animals is a piece made famous by prima ballerina Anna Pavlova. Cellist Jennifer Rogers' performance was faultless and heartfelt. An astounded child said "That lady didn't have a music book!"

Next to enter was Steve Webb with his tuba. A young voice piped up with "WOW, what IS that thing?" I believe a new tuba player was born at that very moment. A graphic of a swan had been projected above Rogers, and above Webb was a gentle giant to pair with his piece, The Elephant. The deep base tones were spinetingling and Webb’s performance was fantastic. Both pieces were superb choices from Saint-Saëns’ renown suite.

The third and final section was Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, Op 67 composed in 1936. The Strings/Peter were unified and expressive under concertmaster Tony Hong-Che Wu. Lauren Grout (Flute/Bird), Anne Mendrum (Oboe/Duck), Renee Kenyon (Clarinet/Cat), Yasumi Kobayashi (Bassoon/Grandfather), Sergio Marshall, Martin Stevenson and Lisa Wilkinson (French Horn/Wolf), and Raphael Wu and Jess Foster (Timpani and Percussion/Hunters) all showcased their artistry and technical brilliance. Grout’s performance as the bird was a particular standout.

Opera star Jayne Tankersley was a lively and emotive performer who took the time to explain the different sections of the orchestra before providing delightful narration for Mahy's story and Prokofiev's fairytale. 

As with TWSO's May concert "Star-Crossed Lovers: Force of Destiny", the conductor was also a proficient musician. Euan Safey, New Zealand-born but Adelaide-based proved to be an accomplished pianist as he accompanied the soloists in the second section. Safey's playing was wonderfully lyrical and expressive. As a conductor, he showed control and guided the TWSO players with heart and sensitivity.

Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra with Euan Safey (Conductor) and Jayne Tankersley (Narrator)

In under an hour TWSO had won younger fans through their clever choices, projections and family-friendly format. They continue to excel in this space and remain true to their purpose of providing orchestral experiences for the community.

Finally, any recital is a win in my books if you walk out hearing people singing “Dun dun daa, dun dun daa, dun dun dadeedaaa, dananana nananana, na na naaaa.”