The Cleveland Orchestra offers opportunities for children and families to learn about and experience classical musical in an energetic, kid-friendly environment. The 2018-19 PNC Music Explorers series, for children ages 3-6, and American Greetings Family Concert series, for ages 7 and older, are designed to introduce young people to classical music.
Subscriptions for each series are now available by visiting the Severance Hall Ticket Office, clevelandorchestra.com, and by calling 216-231-1111 or 800-686-1141. Tickets to individual performances go on sale later this summer. The Orchestra’s “Under 18s Free” program is available for all concerts in these series.
Music Explorers Series
Starting this fall, the PNC Musical Rainbow Series will be transformed into the PNC Music Explorers series. Children and families will learn about the instruments of the orchestra, one at a time, with Cleveland Orchestra musicians and guests, and an energetic host who engages children through singing, clapping, and moving to the music. Each 30-minute adventure also features short selections and instrument demonstrations designed to engage and entertain young music explorers.
- Heavenly Harps will be presented on October 5 and 6, with Cleveland Orchestra Principal Harpist Trina Struble Bourne and guest harpist Jody Guinn.
- Victorious Viola will be presented on November 16 and 17, with Cleveland Orchestra violist Lisa Boyko.
- The Cheerful Cello will be presented on March 8 and 9, with Cleveland Orchestra cellist David Alan Harrell.
- The Terrific Trumpet will be presented on March 15 and 16, with Cleveland Orchestra trumpet player Michael Miller.
- The Tremendous Tuba will be presented on May 3 and 4, with Kenneth Heinlein, Principal Tuba of the Akron Symphony and Erie Philharmonic.
In addition to the five-concert PNC Music Explorers series, the season also includes special PNC Holiday Music Explorers programs, focusing on the music and traditions of the holidays. It includes the Christmas Brass Quintet, featuring members of the brass section of the Orchestra, and will be presented on December 7 and 8 in the Concert Hall at Severance Hall.
American Greetings Family Concert Series
On Sunday, October 28, the musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra will be dressed in their Halloween best — the audience is encouraged to come dressed up, too — for an afternoon of deliciously spooky musical fun in Severance Hall, decorated for Halloween! The Halloween Spooktacular, a program filled with magic Tricks and musical Treats in celebration of Halloween, features Dukas’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and the rattling bones of Saint-Saëns’s Danse Macabre. A costume contest will take place at 1 p.m. along with Instrument Discovery and more Halloween fun.
Magic Circle Mime Co. joins The Cleveland Orchestra for The Mozart Experience, Friday, February 8. When a mischievous street musician is caught playing the orchestra’s grand piano by the conductor, she’s given the chance to become a modern-day Mozart. Now faced with choices and dilemmas similar to those of Mozart, she leads audiences through a musical performance that captivates and teaches about the legendary composer’s life.
The Carnival of the Animals concert on Sunday, May 12 will enchant audiences with its humor and charm. The Cleveland Orchestra brings an array of animals to life in whimsical and clever ways during Saint-Saëns’s classic Carnival of the Animals. Featuring the renowned Labèque Sisters on piano, this musical escapade of the animal kingdom will delight children of all ages.
Each Cleveland Orchestra Family Concert also features fun and interactive preconcert activities including the popular Instrument Discovery zone, an interactive, hands-on opportunity for children to try various orchestral instruments and discover their inner musician. Instrument Discovery and other free pre-concert activities begin one hour prior to each performance.
