How to Catch a Star

Once there was a boy and the boy loved stars very much. Every night he watched the stars from his window and wished he had one of his own. One day, he decided he would try to catch a star… but first he had to think of a plan…

ABOUT THE SHOW

Following the success of their first two ACO Family productions, There’s a Sea in my Bedroom (2019) and Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge (2021, Winner of Best Production for Children, Sydney Theatre Awards), in 2022 the ACO has again commissioned and created a sophisticated work which blends story and newly composed classical music in an immersive theatrical experience for young audiences. 

Based on the book by international best-selling author Oliver Jeffers, How to Catch a Star is a brand new ACO Family production that takes young audiences on a journey from awe and wonder, through perseverance to triumph.

In a stunning adaptation by Sandra Eldridge, Jeffers’ magical tale about reaching for dreams is brought to life on stage through storytelling and exquisite new music by Elena Kats-Chernin, performed live by an ACO string quartet. This enchanting performance will leave audiences of all ages filled with hope and optimism. 

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Australian Chamber Orchestra lives and breathes music, making waves around the world for their explosive performances and brave interpretations. Steeped in history but always looking to the future, ACO programs embrace celebrated classics alongside new commissions, and adventurous cross-artform collaborations.

Led by Artistic Director Richard Tognetti since 1990, the ACO performs more than 100 concerts each year. Whether performing in Manhattan, New York, or Wollongong, NSW, the ACO is unwavering in their commitment to creating transformative musical experiences. The Orchestra regularly collaborates with artists and musicians who share their ideology, from instrumentalists, to vocalists, to cabaret performers, to visual artists and film makers.

The ACO applies this same commitment to making and performing work for young audiences, and in 2019 commissioned their very first work created specifically for children. An adaptation of Margaret Wild’s classic picture book, There’s a Sea in my Bedroom, the work was an immersive introduction to live classical music, seamlessly blending story with a mesmerizing new score by award-winning Australian composer, Paul Stanhope. The show premiered at Sydney Opera House, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from audiences young and old. Following this success, the ACO commissioned and created Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, based on the poignant picture book by Mem Fox, and performed a sold-out two-week season at Sydney Opera House to critical acclaim in May 2021. 

Engaging activities and a mesmerising show... thanks so much for bringing such an imaginative and magical work to the stage. The design, the direction, the writing and of course the music were absolutely brilliant!