Current Shows

Paddington Bear's First Concert.

Words: Michael Bond Music: Herbert Chappell

Paddington, the lovable bear from Peru, reminds us of his journey from Lima to live with the Browns near the Portobello Road. Here, he becomes a popular figure amongst the traders and a special friend of the wise Mr. Gruber, the owner of an antique shop. Mr. Gruber teaches Paddington a Hungarian Dance and introduces him to the delights of music with an action-packed visit to a concert in the Royal Albert Hall and a performance of Paddington's own song!

Paddington Bear's First Concert was first performed a few miles down the road from the Royal Albert Hall at the Barbican, London, in a performance for narrator and orchestra, conducted by the composer in January 1986. The combination of a delightful tale and witty, attractive music has made this a universally popular piece for both children and adults! The piano version was arranged by Herbert Chappell.

2008 was a very special year for Paddington as it marked the 50th anniversary of the first book, A Bear Called Paddington. The Paddington books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 30 languages, and Paddington has appeared in several TV series.

The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant

Words: Jean de Brunhoff Music: Francis Poulenc English Translation: Nelly Rieu

After an idyllic start to life, Babar became orphaned when his mother was killed by a cruel hunter. After running away, Babar came to a town where he met a kind, rich old lady who understood little elephants. She bought him some smart clothes and a fine car. One day, Babar came across his two cousins, Arthur and Celeste, and after buying them some clothes and taking them to a tea shop, he returned with them to the Great Forest. He was sad to say goodbye to the old lady, but was pleased to be going home. When the King of the Elephants died after eating a bad mushroom, Babar was elected King. Following a grand ceremony to mark the coronation and his marriage to Celeste, the pair are left to reflect and dream under a star filled sky.

In 1940 Poulenc created a little piece for the children and friends of his cousins. It provided a musical background to the illustrated story about Babar by Jean de Brunhoff. Poulenc returned to the score in 1945 and completed this version for narrator and piano, which was subsequently orchestrated by Jean Francaix in 1962. In Poulenc's inimitable style, the music captures the mood of the story in a most imaginative way.