Announcing Beethoven's Third Symphony this May, and more upcoming...

An interactive family concert makes a great family outing

Discover what makes a live orchestra concert so special. We’ll take a deep dive into Beethoven’s “Eroica”–his breakout Third Symphony that broke all the rules and forged a new future for the symphonic form. Inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s masterful way of putting young audiences at the center of music-making, this interactive concert will feature inside tips, listening cues and fun facts that make for the perfect Saturday afternoon family outing!

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 2PM at NJPAC - New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. Buy your tickets online.

This will be a Relaxed Performance, designed to accommodate the differing needs of our patrons of all abilities. Families are encouraged to bring your own sensory manipulatives, noise reduction headphones and other necessary tools that will allow you to react and enjoy the music in a way that is most natural for you! Available resources include: quiet space, activity space, vision friendly, auditory friendly, sign language interpretation, seating guide.

Before the concert begins, the Youth Orchestra String Ensemble will perform in the lobby. Families can bring their favorite stuffed animals/plushies, listen to the music, visit an “Instrument Petting Zoo” to play with instruments, and have fun with stress balls/fidget toys. The concert itself will be a “relaxed performance”- approachable for everyone including neurodivergent communities. Families can come and go as they please and spend time in a quiet room or an activity room if they need to leave the auditorium. There will be 4 “quiet rooms” in the salons for families to re-group/adjust (one family per room). There will also be a wiggles/activity room in the Parsonnet room Tier 2

Doors open at 1:00 pm
Youth Orchestra will play from 1:10-1:40 pm in the lobby
Families can visit “Instrument Petting Zoo” in Tier 2 shadow boxes
Kids can play with stress balls and fidget toys (provided by the Symphony)
Staff will usher families into concert hall starting at 1:40 pm
Discover Beethoven’s Third Symphony starts at 2:00 pm

LINK for more details

Upcoming Family Concerts:

Epic Scores of John Williams and more - May 30 - June 2
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert - December 5-8
Gospel Holiday Family Concert - December 14
Handel’s Messiah - December 20-22
Warner Bros. Discovery present Bugs Bunny at the Symphony - February 14-16, 2025
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert - April 10-13, 2025