Bringing Bristol Wildlife to the Stage

Performing at home and creating new wildlife‑inspired music

During our summer concert There’s No Planet B at Bristol Beacon, we spoke to two Bristolian members of the orchestra, Max and Edward, about what it is like to be part of NCO and perform in their hometown.

We also spoke to Ruby and Beth from Horfield CofE Primary School, whose Year 6 class worked with composer and orchestra leader Neil Valentine to create a brand new piece, The Beavers of Bristol, premiered at the concert.

We began by asking Max, violinist and NCO Young Presenter, and Edward, French horn, what they enjoy about being part of National Children’s Orchestras.

Playing with NCO in their hometown

What do you like about playing in NCO?

Max: “I love playing in NCO because it’s really fun and we get to perform a huge variety of repertoire.”

Edward: “Playing in NCO makes me feel there is a place for people like me, and it makes me feel like I belong, with people with the same interests as me.”

We also asked how it felt to perform with NCO in their home city of Bristol.

What is it like performing with NCO in your hometown?

Max: “Playing in my hometown of Bristol I think is really inspiring for young musicians.”

Edward: “Performing at Beacon is a sense of familiarity, but playing pieces I haven’t played before. It’s kind of a mix of old and new. It’s just a good feeling!”

Creating 'The Beavers of Bristol'

We also caught up with Ruby and Beth from Bristol’s Horfield CofE Primary School to hear about their experience of working with NCO to create The Beavers of Bristol, a new piece inspired by conservation efforts and the return of once-endangered beavers to the River Avon.

The Year 6 students worked with composer Neil Valentine, supported by tuba player Callum Davis, through a series of workshops that shaped ideas and created music later performed on the Bristol Beacon stage.

What was your favourite part of the NCO workshops where you created The Beavers of Bristol?

Ruby: “My favourite part was the musical silly games that Neil got us to play.”

Beth: “My favourite part was when we got to go on a trip to Belmont Estate where we played in the river and everyone thought it was just a stream that went to our ankles but it was actually like an outdoor swimming pool!”

Of course, we couldn’t talk about The Beavers of Bristol without finding out what our young composers knew about the animals themselves!

What is your favourite fact about beavers?

Beth: “My favourite fact about beavers is that they are the second largest rodent, first is the capybara.”

Ruby: “My favourite fact about beavers is they have orange teeth which never stop growing.”

Finally, we wanted to know how they were feeling about seeing a piece they had helped create performed on the Bristol Beacon stage.

How are you feeling about the fact that a piece you helped create is going to be performed on the Bristol Beacon stage this afternoon?

BOTH: “AMAZING!”

Our There’s No Planet B concert brought together NCO’s 12 and 13‑year‑old musicians to perform music inspired by the natural world and the way it can make us feel.

The concert was presented by our Young Presenters alongside renowned TV wildlife presenter Naomi Wilkinson (CBBC), bringing together young musicians, presenters and the local community for a special afternoon of music at Bristol Beacon.