“All the same… it’s a very important name. And I don’t expect there are many bears in the world called Paddington!”
This wonderful quote from Paddington Bear in Michael Bond’s book A Bear called Paddington conjures up the logic and magic we associate with a unique bear from Peru. First published in 1958, this special and endearing character has been entertaining children and adults throughout the world for over sixty years.
Children’s music charity, ‘Music for Miniatures’, is scheduled to bring the magic of Paddington to Midsomer Norton Town Hall on Friday, 17th April with a new touring show called ‘Paddington’s First Concert’.
With piano and narrator, they will be offering multi-sensory interaction, and of course, Paddington himself. They tell the story of his journey from Peru, via Paddington Station to Windsor Garden, Notting Hill; life with the Brown family and his first experience of a concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
With story by Michael Bond and music by Herbert Chappell, this magical show will run for thirty-five minutes and is suitable for children age 3–5.
Charity founder and Musical Director, Julie Payne, says: “Paddington Bear played a big part of my childhood and I still have a love for marmalade sandwiches. Bringing together wonderful music and the magical story of Paddington attending his first concert is the perfect match. Our concerts are fun and provide an opportunity for all the family to enjoy classical music together. We hope businesses and groups will dip their paws in their pockets and support us.”
Music for Miniatures was created by its founder, Julie Payne, a professional musi- cian, who wanted her own children to be exposed to music at an early age in re- laxed and family friendly surroundings.
Playing music has important health and social benefits. Learning to master an instrument stimulates the brain, improving functions like memory and abstract reasoning skills, essential for subjects such as science and mathematics. It helps with stress management, creativity, boosts confidence and self-esteem, and never to be forgotten, it is fun!
Organisers need to raise £500 from the local community to help ensure they can host two performances in Midsomer Norton. If your company, nursery or play group would like to support Paddington’s First Concert please contact Julie Payne,: 07970 043026 or email: info@musicforminiatures.co. uk), or Michael Auton, Fundraising Co-ordinator: 07862 253514 or email: michaelautonconsultancy@ gmail.com.
For further information about Music For Miniatures please visit: https://www. musicforminiatures.co.uk/
Source: Paddington Bear is coming to town! | News | The Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal
