Concerts

With the Children’s Classic Concerts

"Just when it seems there is no relief from the cultural dominance of questionable musical talents like Girls Aloud, and a child's attention span is judged to be on par with a Crazy Frog ringtone, along comes the saving grace of Children's Classic Concerts. It's an absolute staple of sanity and good wholesome cultural fun, and by Jove there are some fine tunes to be had into the bargain."

Scotland on Sunday, 5 March 2006

With the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

"Symphony Hall – or Symphony Stadium as it was renamed for the afternoon – was packed for the popular concert which had the audience on its feet doing ski exercises and singing along to some of sport’s best loved songs… The second half went football crazy and had the audience cheering for the orchestra’s two rival teams Sinfonia United in orange and black and the Philharmonic Rovers in green and gold."

The Birmingham Mail, 11 May 2006

With Shanghai Symphony Orchestra

"The audience and the musicians were entirely immersed in the fairytale like concert hall which demonstrated a completely different appearance of the traditional classical music concert!"

Shanghai Xinmin Evening News – 4 June 2005

With Royal Scottish National Orchestra

CRASH BANG WALLOP (The Critics Arts) "All in all, a great show, which the children clearly loved – especially the one behind me who spent the entire 75 minutes tapping his seat with a tiny, but very enthusiastic, foot."

The Sunday Herald – 13 March 2005

"With the orchestra happily participating, bobbing up and down to order (not easy playing the cello) and popping up in far-flung corners of the venue, and Malloy providing his own virtuoso solo turns on marimba and glass harmonica…. The boldest experiment, however, was a piece of mass improvisation that involved everyone in a recreation of the spirit of the Spontaneous Music Ensemble. And, just to prove that a sym-phony orchestra and a concert hall are not essential to music making, Malloy sent a full house of kids off into the afternoon playing the William Tell Overture by slapping their cheeks."

The Herald – 7 March 2005

"…the RSNO and Children's Classic Concerts brought the joy of music from all corners of the earth to children and adults alike with their concert aptly entitled Going Global. Conducted by Christopher Bell and compered by the lively and enthusiastic Alasdair Malloy, the multicultural magic began with a piece of contemporary Scottish music written especially for children by Robin McEwan [Banjaxed]. The concert continued with even more fun from across the globe with pieces from Spain to Switzerland with audience participation throughout the musical journey….and a fantastic finale to an exuberant and exhilarating performance."

The Herald – 16 March 2004

"…The latest in the popular series aimed at familiarising youngsters with some of the classics in a fun way…was a roaring success. There was hardly an empty seat in the house…Audience participation was invited – and accepted with alarming alacrity – for the thrilling Pop Looks Bach, when we all took to our feet and were swept along to the thrilling sounds of Bach set to a pop beat, cheerily encouraged by Alasdair Malloy. The 12-year old’s verdict? Cool. Now that’s high praise."

The Herald – 5 November 2001

With the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

"… it was a great pleasure to hear Brazil played by the RLPO… The host and creator of these excellent concerts, Alasdair Malloy, [presented] a programme that ranged from Walton and Dvorak to the Beach Boys via Henry Mancini’s Hong Kong Fireworks (with bravura xylophoning by AM)"

The Liverpool Daily Post – 23 June 2004

PRIMER FOR THE PRIMARIES (Schools concerts) "Presenter Alasdair Malloy, who also introduces the Phil Power family concerts, is the ideal salesman. Dressed in kilted Scottish battledress he signals the advance of concert music as the new cool."

Liverpool Echo – 16 March 2004

THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ENTERS INTO THE PARTY SPIRIT "An inclusion were drums made from plastic drainpipes. As our ever-genial host and super-percussionist Alasdair Malloy explained, these can only be played in the keys B and Q... Malloy's personality meshes well with that of Pop's musical director, Carl Davis..."

The Liverpool Daily Post – 15 July 2000

With the London Mozart Players

"What this cheerful event does is provide gentle fun, a handy introduction to classical music with the most human of faces, and the chance for the players to enjoy themselves too….Behind the fun lies quite a lot of careful preparation to balance the programme; provide enough moments (but not too many) to involve the audience; choose suitable pieces of music; and while engaging the audience; still to give the orchestra the chance to play. Malloy triumphed…"

Croydon Advertiser – 10 January 2003

"Topically, this event, imaginatively devised for children by Alasdair Malloy, focused on music for royal occasions… With the right presentation, the eclectic collection was made to seem most logical and appealing. Malloy was compeer, entertaining as a jester, his multi-pointed hat jingling all the way as he kept the concert as informal as possible without resorting to silliness."

Croydon Advertiser – 7 June 2002

With the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

SWASH_BUCKLING PARTY PROVES A HIT "…First Mate Alasdair Malloy kept the hordes of aspiring young pirates at bay as this swash-buckling entertainment proved another hit among the costumed kids…Malloy persuaded the entire house to its feet for Wood’s Sailors’ Hornpipe…"

Bournemouth Daily Echo - 5 May 1999

CHAMPAGNE POPPERS PUT THE FIZZ INTO BSO PARTY "Now that’s what I call a bash! The BSO’s Family Concert – “Beat This!” – was a thunderous success in every sense. Pounding the platform, highly gifted presenter Alasdair Malloy proved completely at ease, persuading the young audience (of all ages) to contribute to the vocal percussion….Malloy’s expertise on drums and a blistering Hong Kong Fireworks enthralled. Brilliant entertainment for all."

Bournemouth Daily Echo – 11 January 1999