Not sure what a Gaboon is? It's what a young person attending an SCO music workshop for children thought our Principal Bassoon Cerys Ambrose-Evans (pictured above, in a photo by Stuart Armitt) played - exactly the sort of anecdote to spark the imaginations of author/illustrator Corrina Campbell and SCO Associate Composer Jay Capperauld.

We last spoke to our storytellers back in 2023, as preparations for the premiere of The Great Grumpy Gaboon early the following year were underway. With the Gaboon and friends set to make a triumphant return to Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow in February 2026, the time seemed ripe to sit down for another little chat with them both. (You can read the original interview here.)

First of all, congratulations on the success of The Great Grumpy Gaboon! For anyone unfamiliar with this character and why it’s not in the best of moods, could you tell us what it’s all about?

Corrina: The Great Grumpy Gaboon is the story of a mythical creature who has woken up in a terrible mood. Gaboon’s friends are surprised to see poor old Gaboon feeling so sad so together they all go on a journey to help find Gaboon’s happiness again. Little do they know that a naughty creature has been meddling and is responsible for the way Gaboon is feeling.

Jay: The Gaboon [played by Cerys Ambrose-Evans on the bassoon] has been made grumpy by the musical mischief-maker Screature [Nikita Naumov, double bass], who has stolen Gaboon’s special key.

Corrina: Watch out for Screature lurking in the shadows!

Jay: This key is important because it allows the Gaboon to sound spectacular, and without it, the Gaboon can’t play! So all of the Gaboon’s friends rally together to cheer it up and find the key with the help of the All-Knowing Umpet [Peter Franks, trumpet]. Ultimately, it’s a story about friendship and forgiveness, and - without giving away any spoilers - it’s about putting the “Great” back in The Great Grumpy Gaboon.

What do you remember of the first performance?

Jay: My lasting memory is the sense of excitement and anticipation just before the show began. The hall was full of noise until the lights dimmed and there was a sudden quick hush before the music started. Then everyone was clapping along to the opening music and the hall was full of joy - it was a brilliant moment!

Has it changed much since then?

Corrina: Since that first performance, additional props have been added to support the telling of the story, in particular the magic key which helps all the instruments play harmoniously. As the majority of the story is told through music, we also decided to provide the audience with the option to hear the full written story of The Great Grumpy Gaboon prior to the performance. This way children can hear the full written version before experiencing it through the music.

The Great Grumpy Gaboon feels as fresh as ever. What do you enjoy most about seeing it performed, and what should audiences be looking out for?

Corrina: Watching a story being told through music is really magical. I love seeing the musicians and instruments breathe life (literally!) into the words that I wrote.

Jay: As a composer, I always get the pleasure of being part of the audience when my music is played, and I can’t help but have one eye on the performance and one eye on how an audience is engaging with the music. The biggest joy of being part of the audience for The Great Grumpy Gaboon is seeing the reaction of children of all ages who come to the concert with their grown-ups.

Corrina: The characters were all created with each instrumentalist in mind and seeing how they have each captured the personality of each character so beautifully always makes me smile.

Jay: It’s so heartwarming to see families clapping along together and laughing together or calling out when Gaboon’s friends need some help. I think it’s very special that we can give that kind of shared experience for families through our show.

What have you been working on since?

Jay: I have been working in the community of Craigmillar as part of SCO’s residency in the area developing a project that explores art and music.

Corrina: Recently I have been working in partnership with Scottish Opera to deliver an interactive musical story, A Little Bit of Northern Light as part of the Nairn Book and Arts Festival.

Jay: I have also just started a new project with the SCO Academy where I will co-create a piece of new music with the young musicians who will then go on to perform the piece as a side-by-side with the SCO players. Alongside my new commissions for the SCO’s upcoming seasons, it is always so fulfilling to create music in communities and with the next generation of brilliant young musicians.

Finally, what is next for the Gaboon and friends?

Corrina: I’m really hopeful that The Great Grumpy Gaboon will continue to inspire, enthuse and engage children in musical storytelling, and in particular ignite a passion for classical music. When I created the Gaboon, I wanted to see if we could find a way to help children connect with classical music through storytelling.

Jay: Excitingly, I was asked to make a chamber ensemble version of The Great Grumpy Gaboon which means that I have turned the orchestra’s accompanying music into a piano part. This means that the core cast of SCO performers, including the Gaboon and its friends, can take the show on tour. I think that is a thrilling prospect as we have the option to take the show into schools and communities in the future…so watch this space!

Corrina: Through the performances, children have experienced the power of a live orchestra, as well as learning about individual instruments - with some even asking if they can learn to play the Gaboon!

Cerys would be delighted!