A notable contribution to the musical culture in the community has been established through the annual concerts for children sponsored by the Robert Kiln Trust. These concerts aim to present music to primary age children in a fun and stimulating way.

Young audiences have been swept into worlds such as ‘2000 and Beyond’, 'Carnival Time,' and 'Winter Wonderland,' with exciting programmes under the baton of Gerry Cornelius whose entertaining narrative engages the children throughout the concert.

In a relaxed, party atmosphere children have dressed up, designed posters, conducted and accompanied the orchestra with voices and instruments, dispelling the rumour that 'classical music is boring.'

The two short, snappy, sell out performances reflect the value of these concerts providing many children with a thrilling opportunity to listen to, and perform with, a live Symphony Orchestra.

"The opportunity for children to conduct the orchestra and interact with the music leads to much laughter and the sell out performances reflect the support for and value of these concerts."

What the papers had to say

Robert Kiln Children’s Concert … ‘These are not just concerts but truly colourful occasions. The hall abounded with ghoulish pictures, exotically costumed demons, monsters and ghosts in both the audience and orchestra. Musically, there were an enormous variety of sounds, styles and moods.’

Hertfordshire Mercury, Jan 2005