About Us
Our Story
Classicalkids.ie was formed in 2013 by mums Aura and Sylvia. As professional musicians, we have a strong desire to share the joy of live chamber music with adults, babies and young children, in a relaxed and child-centred atmosphere. Sitting on a coach returning from performing a concert, we were lamenting the lack of opportunities for exposing babies and young children to the wonders of classical music. Where’s the child-friendly approach we thought? A toddler doesn’t only learn when they’re completely still and completely silent. Why does it have to be so formal? And stressful? Why don’t we do it ourselves we thought? So we did! And classicalkids.ie was born.
With a strong child centred ethic, we firmly believe classical music can be for everyone, whether you show your appreciation by clapping, dancing or dribbling! Since then, we have gone from strength to strength, performing our regular concert series all over Dublin, Kildare, Cork and Kerry, and in successful partnerships with the National Concert Hall, Castletown House and Kinsale Arts Weekend. We have presented curriculum based workshops in primary schools in South County Dublin in collaboration with Music Generation DLR, and have a particular interest in working with special needs schools.
Aura Stone
Co-FounderDouble Bass
Born in Yorkshire, England, Aura took up the double bass aged 9. After winning a scholarship to study with Thomas Martin at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, she relocated to Dublin to join the National Symphony Orchestra. After leaving the NSO, she now enjoys the variety and diversity of a freelance career, performing with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Camerata Ireland, RTE Concert Orchestra, and Wexford Festival Orchestra. With a keen interest in chamber music, Aura has performed all of the major chamber works that include the double bass. A committed teacher and educator, Aura currently teaches in the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She is a firm believer in the value and importance of live classical music for all. Looking for a way to bring music to young children, in 2013 she co-founded classicalkids. Beginning in Dublin, it rapidly expanded to include regular concerts in Kildare, Cork and Kerry, and successfully partners with the National Concert Hall, Castletown House and Kinsale Arts Weekend. Aura is mum to Jake and Maya.
Sylvia Roberts
Co-FounderViolin
Violinist and educator, Sylvia is a first violinist with the National Symphony Orchestra. A sought-after session and orchestral musician, Sylvia performs regularly with a variety of different ensembles and with musicians as diverse as José Carreras, Smokey Robinson, Harry Connick Jnr and U2. She is also manager and member of the Dublin String Quartet. A firm believer in the benefits of a musical education and the importance of the accessibility of Classical music for all, Sylvia has worked as a group music tutor with Music Generation, has organized and presented events in tandem with the Bluebell Community Project, has regularly performed with the National Children’s Choir and has also given workshops in conjunction with Music for Autism charity. Sylvia is mum to Saoirse, Oscar & Lochlann.
