Charlotte & The Music-Maker
Symphony for Kids presented by Imperial Oil

Charlotte & The Music-Maker

Conducted by Cosette Justo Valdés
Saturday, March 16 2:30 PM

Charlotte is no ordinary little girl; she plays the trumpet on a cardboard tube, the xylophone with two knitting needles, and the drums on anything that bangs. Her musical talents are not appreciated at home, so she sets off into the wide world only to find herself lost in a raging blizzard. The Music-Maker to the rescue! An odd little man who shares Charlotte's passion for music, the Music-Maker takes Charlotte on a magical, musical journey. Your ESO will perform a stunning original score by Canadian composer Alain Trudel, plus selections from Handel, Grieg, and up-beat arrangements of well-known popular tunes. Families will enjoy this adventure with Platypus Theatre exploring the sounds and colours of the instruments and the exciting possibilities that music offers. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

This concert does not include an intermission.

Join us starting at 1:15 PM for free lobby activities before the concert!

  • Make your own Instrument Craft (Main Lobby): Be your own music maker! Pick from three exciting DIY instrument templates to create your very own instrument! Make a popsicle stick kazoo, a jingle bell bracelet, or a spin drum.
  • Storytime (Founders’ Room, 2nd Floor): Sit down, relax, and enjoy some of your favourite stories! 
  • World Instruments Exploration (Dress Lobby, 2nd Floor): Explore instruments from all over the world – including the kokiriko from Japan, maracas from Venezuela, and juju shaker from Ghana. See how people from many cultures make their music.
  • Giant Staff Compositions (Studio B, 3rd Floor): Create your own music using your whole body! Walk across our giant staff and make your own incredible melodies.
  • Creative Movement (Upper Circle Lobby, 3rd Floor): Join music and movement together for a special musical journey. Using storytelling and props, make the music come alive.

Featured Artists

Cosette Justo Valdés, Conductor
Peter Duschenes, Actor


39 - Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement

The Winspear Centre and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra would like to acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 Territory, a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and traveling route for many Indigenous Peoples. We honour and recognize the rich artistic, cultural, and musical traditions of the Cree, Nakota Sioux, Metis, Dene, Saulteaux, and the many more Indigenous communities that call this land we share, home.