A new series of family-friendly concerts is coming to Little Rock. Led by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the performances are designed to welcome audiences of all ages and abilities and mark the beginning of several family-focused concerts at the orchestra’s permanent home, the ASO Stella Boyle Smith Music Center.
The first concert in the series will feature “Carnival of the Animals” by Camille Saint-Saëns, conducted by Valery Saul. Brought to life by narrator Ryan D. Davis, the program will include 11 musicians, including principal cellist David Gerstein performing the famous “Swan” with pianists Carl Anthony and Hee-Kyung Juhn.
ASO’s first performance of “Carnival of the Animals” will be held Jan. 31 and will be a sensory-friendly concert. With reduced sound levels, softer stage and house lighting and a smaller audience size, the concert is designed to be accessible and relaxed. Audience members are encouraged to move freely, stand, dance or step out as needed.
“‘Carnival of the Animals’ is pure joy to perform, and it’s especially meaningful when we can share it in a way that truly welcomes families to experience music together,” Saul says. “These concerts are about curiosity, imagination and connection — letting children and parents feel comfortable, be themselves and discover the orchestra in a joyful, pressure-free environment.”
The organization has also announced that future performances may include flexible seating and opportunities for close-up, interactive experiences with instruments. The goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where families can enjoy music together in whatever way is most comfortable for them.
For even more kid-friendly fun, teachers and schools across Arkansas can now register to stream the symphony’s latest children’s concert, “Fairytales and Fantasy,” for free on the ASO website.
Tickets to the new family concert series are $5 per person, including children.
For more information on the ASO and upcoming family concerts, visit their website, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.