The participating children will be introduced to some fundamental aspects of music making and the orchestra will play a short piece - Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, which describes in music the stunning beauty of Fingal’s Cave in Scotland, and captures the image of sea-waves breaking over rocks. This is an extraordinary opportunity for children in Mumbai, to see a large, professional symphony orchestra at close quarters.

Zane Dalal, Assistant Conductor with the Symphony Orchestra of India, who has planned and will lead this session, said, “In the last six months, I have taken a small group of musicians to selected schools around Mumbai to play for young children. I saw the excitement and wonder in their eyes at the sights and sounds of our instruments and players. I clearly remember when I first experienced the overwhelming sound of a full symphony orchestra. If we excite one child - in the same way - we will have succeeded.”

Next, Faizan Hussain and Manish Kumar, disciples of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Allahrakha, will present an interactive percussion session in the NCPA Experimental Theatre. The children will be involved in the session through clapping exercises, thereby learning the basics of tempo and beat count in the Indian rhythm cycle. Faizan and Manish will also present a lively percussion composition.

Finally, Bharatanatyam dancer Pallavi Saran Mathur will demonstrate and explain the meanings of some basic mudras, followed by a short performance. Pallavi trained in Bharatanatyam for over 16 years under Sonal Mansingh and has performed widely in India and abroad, winning many accolades for her sensitive renditions of the classical repertoire.