Howls of ‘What’s the time Mr Wolf’ will echo across Auckland this April as TVNZ’s Toi Time cast join the Auckland Philharmonia to perform the children’s concerts, Tunes 4 Tamariki: Toi Time. Over four fun, interactive and educational performances in Central Auckland and the North Shore, cast members from children’s TV show, Toi Time, will perform their catchy version of this wolfy tune, plus many more of their hits, alongside a full symphony orchestra.
At Tunes 4 Tamariki: Toi Time concerts, Toi Time characters Jojo (Taylor Rogers), Buzz (Reuben Butler) and Māia (Awhimai Fraser) will join the Auckland Philharmonia to explore the magical world of music through sing-along, dance-along fun. Audiences can look forward to hearing orchestral arrangements of music from the Toi Time show, as well as other familiar family favourites, ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ and ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’.
These concerts have been specifically designed with preschoolers and early primary-aged children in mind. Tamariki-friendly elements over the one-hour performances include opportunities to have a go at conducting, sing and dance along with the music, join a walk through the orchestra while the musicians are playing to see the instruments up close, and meet-and-greet their favourite Toi Time cast members. Ahead of the performances, free pre-concert activities include face painting, musician ‘show & tells’, and a dance floor to practise your moves.
For the Auckland Town Hall concerts, most of the stalls seating will be moved to make way for big cushions and beanbags making it a great, relaxed space for kids to have fun dancing and listening to the music.
These concerts kick off Auckland Philharmonia’s 2024 Tunes 4 Tamariki series of children’s music concerts (formerly APO 4 Kids) that are delivered as part of the orchestra’s Learn & Participate programme. This is also the first opportunity to hear an Auckland Philharmonia Learn & Participate concert conducted by 2024 NZ Assistant Conductor-in-Residence, Ingrid Martin.
Thomas Hamill, Auckland Philharmonia’s Director of Learn & Participate says, “Our Tunes 4 Tamariki concerts provide valuable opportunities for children to experience the excitement and togetherness of a live performance with their whānau and wider community. These early live music experiences are important for developing resilience and concentration skills in tamariki and can either lead to a lifelong love of music or spark a passion for music that develops later in life.
“Whether it’s the excitement on children’s faces as they enjoy a live performance in a large venue alongside other tamariki, or the look of delight as they share a special moment with their whānau seeing the orchestra’s instruments up close for the first time, these concerts create memorable experiences for all.”
Auckland Philharmonia’s Tunes 4 Tamariki series is delivered thanks to the support of the Stout Trust, Auckland Live and the orchestra’s core funders, Auckland Council, Creative NZ and Foundation North.
Tickets are $15 each, with under 2’s free, or $50 for a family pass (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children).