Carnival of the ‘Aussie’ Animals

Four new animals join the famous musical parade by French composer, Camille Saint-Saëns, which also introduces two new instruments into the orchestra – the trumpet and the tuba!

This set of works was commissioned by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with support from the Cybec Foundation and Emirates, and features the wonderful Dr. Ann Jones as narrator and co-writer with the equally wonderful Emma Muir-Smith.

Listen to the animals below! Which is your favourite?

Platypus

The smooth, silky clarinet represents the shy platypus as it pokes its head out of its burrow, then dives and swims in the cool waters of a bubbling creek. Featuring David Thomas (clarinet) with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and conductor Daniel Corvaia.

Frogs

The xylophone takes a starring role in this 'crepuscular chorus' full of chirps, croaks and plonks from various musical frogs, crickets and cicadas around Australia. Featuring percussionist Robert Cossom with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and conductor Daniel Corvaia.

Cockatoo

The rowdy, screechy trumpet becomes a sulpher-crested cockatoo as it invades the aviary and tries to start a party while the flute leads the other birds in a revolt! Featuring Shane Hooton (trumpet) and Wendy Clarke (flute) with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and conductor Daniel Corvaia. 

Diprotodon

Head back in time with one of Australia's most fascinating megafauna. This large, hulking beast used to roam around looking for veges to eat – in this music, it's eaten too much, takes a nap, and dreams of going to... the disco! Featuring Nelson Woods (tuba) with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and conductor Daniel Corvaia.