Classical music and kids? Not exactly harmonious–at first glance.
That’s the perception that the Carnegie Hall Family Concert series strives to change. For more than twenty years, the extraordinary concert hall has been inviting families to experience a taste of classical music, a slice of culture that has the potential to create lifelong memories. The concerts, most of which are geared for ages 5-10 at under one manageable hour, include visuals and much audience interaction, which make them decidedly kid-friendly and fun. Often the performing artists will talk directly to the audience, inviting a friendly atmosphere among the members. Plus, there is often a Q&A with the narrator or performers, and almost always a narrator hosts the performance.
Ann Gregg, the director of family and community programs, notes that by keeping kids engaged through “tons of interactive moments where the audience gets to be direct participants in the music-making, sometimes in percussion, adding rhythmic elements,there’s a lot of openness in the one hour event.” Passionate as ever about the importance of developing an appreciation of classical music in young children, she nods the Carnegie Hall’s commitment to providing these engaging experiences through relatively inexpensive opportunities.
Carnegie Hall’s new season promises some true musical delights like African folk tunes with Regina Carter and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with The New York Pops. There’s also the tech-y, literary Natalie Merchant show, centering around the artist’s “Leave Your Sleep” album of poetry set to music, with vibrant visuals projects onto a screen and key moments where children are invited onto the stage.
The doors of Carnegie Hall are open to everyone (jeans are acceptable attire), but Gregg notes that due to the nature of the concert space, many families do treat it as a special occasion and dress with extra care–or flare.
Because Gregg and her team “believe that music has a place in everyone’s life,” several times throughout the season, Carnegie Hall’s doors (through a partnership with the Department of Homeless Services) open even wider when they invite fathers and their children from homeless shelters across the city to escape for an hour or two and delight in the enriching and enveloping musical experience that its family concerts offer.
In addition to the incredible shows in both Stern Hall (with its unmistakable red seats) and Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall produces another free concert series in community settings in all five boroughs called Carnegie Kids. Families with children aged 2-4 are encouraged to check out these events, which are designed especially for them.
While Gregg certainly wouldn’t be disappointed if early exposure to classical music leads to a deep adult appreciation for the music, she says her goals go much beyond that: “To have something that you do together that creates a lifelong memory is valuable, whether in music or other art forms. We try to provide our place in terms of those memorable experiences.”
