The Flying Orchestra

First time author and illustrator Clare McFadden explores the magic underpinning everyday life in The Flying Orchestra, a whimsical picture book about an orchestra that flies the skies playing the music that is everywhere. The Flying Orchestra is an inspiring story exploring music and the idea that, whether we hear it or not, an orchestra is constantly playing for us. Clare’s beautifully composed illustrations feature familiar Australian landscapes adorned with the figures of the Flying Orchestra and their instruments.

The Flying Orchestra plays for every occasion. For someone who misses their train, for a traveller coming home, when a baby is born or when someone learns to ride their bike. Whatever the day, whatever the event, wherever the location, the orchestra will be there to play a concerto, a sonata or even a violin solo. Inspired by a walk around the suburbs of Brisbane, Clare’s eye-catching illustrations use acrylic and pencil on rag paper to depict everyday Australian places – shopping centres, suburban streets, the beach – through a magical and extraordinary perspective. Younger readers will discover music in the most unlikely places and will be encouraged to listen for the orchestra performing in their own lives.