19 Jul 2018

School Holidays fun: bringing a famous storybook alive

From Upbeat, 1:00 pm on 19 July 2018

Olivier Award-winning composer and conductor Terry Davies will be conducting the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra this weekend.

Cover image of The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson

Cover image of The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson Photo: MacMillan

The concert is a family-friendly performance on the book, The Gruffalo.

The Gruffalo is a children’s story that tells a story about a smart mouse who goes on a mission and meets the Gruffalo.

Julia Donaldson created the original story in 1999 and the books are illustrated by Axel Scheffler. It’s sold more than 13 million copies worldwide.

After popular request, there is now a range of sequels and activity books.

The concert, on at the Aotea Centre this Saturday, will include two 30-minute films based on the book, with the APO creating a live soundtrack.

Though Terry has been conducting this show all around the world, he’s also a huge musical figure in the film, theatre and TV world.

The Gruffalo

The Gruffalo Photo: flickr

He has done many different orchestrations and original music for films including The Kings Speech, Happy Go-Lucky and The Illusionist.

He also served as musical director for the film starring Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins.

The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, Aotea Centre, Saturday 21 July, 11am and 2pm