Mimi’s Symphony is pure joy for mini music lovers

As an orchestra nerd from way back, I couldn’t wait to experience Mimi’s Symphony – and more importantly, to share it with my music-loving kids.

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My 10-year-old plays flute in the school band, and my 8-year-old is tackling the mighty double bass in school strings. So when I saw this show featured the one and only Justine Clarke alongside George Ellis (who once conducted the youth orchestra I played in during the ’90s – yes, I’m that old), I knew this would be a special one.

A simple and wholesome setting

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Held in the cosy Studio theatre at the Sydney Opera House, Mimi’s Symphony immediately felt warm and inviting. 

Families sat on the floor, close to the action, with the orchestra on the same level – colour-coded by instrument group: purple for strings, blue for woodwinds, yellow for brass, and orange for percussion.

It was beautifully informal – no stage, no stuffiness. Just music, movement, and a space that welcomed even the wriggliest little audience members.

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Justine Clarke brings the magic

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Justine Clarke (aka the queen of Aussie kids’ entertainment) opened the show by introducing the orchestra and explaining that she was going to tell us the story of Mimi, a baby magpie, and her big adventure after being blown from her nest.

Each section of the orchestra represented a different animal group in the story, and animations gently played across the screen to help bring the world to life. 

Best of all, the audience played a part too – we were the “wind,” conducted by George Ellis himself, whenever the story called for a breeze.

It was such a lovely, simple concept. The kids were enthralled from the very first note.

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A captivated crowd – even the grown-ups

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The show is developed for kids aged 3 and up, but I took along all three of mine – and even my 10-year-old (who initially worried she might be “too old”) was up dancing by the end.

For a room filled mostly with toddlers and preschoolers, it was impressively quiet – not because they were being made to sit still, but because they were genuinely hooked. Justine’s storytelling was captivating. She did all the voices and sound effects, responding to little gasps and impromptu exclamations from the young audience like the seasoned pro she is.

My kindy-aged daughter was completely invested in Mimi’s fate. At one point, her face was so concerned I had to reassure her it would all work out in the end. And sure enough, it did – with a joyful finale that had everyone smiling.

Learning through music

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After the story wrapped up, Justine introduced each section of the orchestra with a catchy song, helping the kids learn about the different instruments and sounds. 

Then came the party…

The front transformed into what Justine referred to as the “mushroom pit”, where the kids could dance out all their excitement. 

Justine performed a few of her classic hits – including “Gumtree Family,” “I Like to Sing,” and our personal family fave, “Watermelon” – all accompanied by the live orchestra. It was such a beautiful fusion of music education and pure fun.

A perfect first concert experience

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At just 40 minutes long, Mimi’s Symphony is the ideal first concert experience for kids. There’s no pressure to sit perfectly still, and the vibe is entirely welcoming. It’s paced gently, a welcome shift from the fast-paced, overstimulating content our kids are often bombarded with.

And for music-loving families like ours, it was a joy to see classical music made so accessible – not only through story and song, but also through the familiar warmth of Justine Clarke and the playful expertise of George Ellis.

While this show has wrapped, the fun isn't over

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Mimi’s Symphony may have finished its run for now, but the Sydney Opera House Kids and Families program continues to deliver incredible school holiday experiences for families all year round. 

From musical adventures to imaginative theatre and playful workshops, there’s always something worth exploring.

Head to the Sydney Opera House Kids and Families program to discover what’s on next.