A real life Carnival of the Animals

19 July 2012, 12:20 | Updated: 19 July 2012, 14:30

Llamas, goats and pigs are joining black tie audiences and musicians Sorrelli Strings for some classical moo-sic at The Big Sheep farm in Bideford, North Devon.

Sorrelli Strings have taken ‘bringing classical music to a wider audience’ one step further in their latest concert at The Big Sheep farm in Bideford, North Devon this weekend. Their ‘Proms in the Pigsty’ concert will be performed in the animal barn to an audience of four-legged critics, including llamas, pigs, goats and sheep.

Human audience members are also welcome to attend, as the animals will be enjoying the music from their pens. It’s probably for the best – the event is black tie, and champagne will be served on arrival.

Jenny Collingham, one of the three sisters in Sorrelli Strings, is excited to be part of such an unusual event. She said she hoped her performance would appeal to everyone, bringing classical to music to people who might not otherwise listen.

“So many people these days say they don’t like classical music, but they don’t realise that so much of the music they listen to and enjoy is in fact classical! We’ve chosen really accessible repertoire.”

The trio are playing a mix of music including pieces by Elgar, an arrangement of Palladio by Karl Jenkins, and the theme from Love Actually. Music by Adele will also feature on the programme.

Luckily, Jenny said the four-legged audience members had been very well behaved in rehearsals. The animals appeared mesmerised by the music and went quiet as soon as the performance started.

The concert will take place on Sunday 22 July, and picnic hampers will be available to buy on site. Profits will be donated to North Devon Music Centre.