Family Concert Series Offers Music for All

BYU’s School of Music and the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Foundation are redefining the all-ages show with the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Family Concert Series at BYU. Everyone in the family from baby to great-grandparents can attend concerts for free in the BYU Music Building Concert Hall this school year. Two are fast approaching, both of which are narrated by music education professor Rob Dunn.

Music-loving parents rarely need to be convinced of music’s value to their children’s development. However, it may be hard for them to find venues that allow their children to listen to live music — let alone participate in its creation.

“The Family Concert Series is unique for three reason,” says Dunn. “These are the only concerts where you can bring young children, even infants, to experience great music on campus; the concerts provide fun narration aimed at a young audience and are around 40 minutes in length; and they are free.”

The first concert, on September 28, is “Game on Orchestra!” and features BYU Philharmonic conducted by professor Nathan Haines. The orchestra invites audiences to explore video game music and orchestral classics through movement, clapping, music mapping and more.

“The Family Concert Series is one of the highlights of the year for the BYU Philharmonic,” says Haines. “It is always fun to perform for such a young and enthusiastic audience. This year will have plenty of surprises that I think gaming fans will love. The orchestra will need help from kids to make it through the challenging concert ‘levels’ and defeat the final boss at the end. Come join the team!”

The second concert, on October 19, is “Baroque Jam Session” with BYU’s Baroque Ensemble conducted by professor Alexander Woods. The ensemble will explore aspects of composition and embrace the improvisational nature of the genre as it shares Bach and Vivaldi with the audience, according to Woods. Dunn invites audiences to “Join the BYU Baroque Ensemble as they add their own flavors.”

Patrons can reserve seats before the concert at no additional cost. Those without reservations may fill any seats beginning 5 minutes before performances.

Ticket and Concert Details:

Price: Free

Reservations: Reservations are encouraged but not required. Visit here to reserve your seats today.

Location: Concert Hall, Music Building

Price: Free

Reservations: Reservations are encouraged but not required. Visit here to reserve your seats today.