The Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) is continuing its tradition of inclusivity by opening the concert hall to everyone, presenting sensory-friendly and family concerts designed to embrace attendees of all ages and abilities. Now in its ninth year, these specially crafted performances are scheduled for November 9, 2024, at Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA. Here, families and individuals, including children with unique sensory needs, can enjoy an accessible and welcoming experience.
The GSO’s Music Director and Conductor, Timothy Verville, will guide the orchestra through a forty-five-minute program featuring exhilarating music from some of cinema’s most iconic heroes. Attendees can look forward to hearing the epic scores associated with Captain Jack Sparrow, the Dark Knight, and the Man of Steel, among others. Adding to the excitement, up to thirty minutes before or after each concert, families can explore a “musical petting zoo.” In this space, children—including one nonverbal boy who recently attended and delighted in this opportunity—are encouraged to engage with a wide array of instruments, providing a rare, hands-on experience that connects them directly to the magic of orchestral music.
As a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ Certified organization, the GSO is committed to providing an environment that accommodates individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families. In these concerts, audience members are free to move around, dance, vocalize, or simply enjoy the music on their terms. Those who might need a break can also access a quiet room, ensuring everyone’s comfort and enjoyment throughout the event. For families of children with sensory needs, like that of GSO patron Sarah Arrington, this supportive atmosphere is invaluable. She reflects, “As a mother of a child with special needs, the Sensory Friendly concerts really spoke to me. In that environment, [my son] can experience the music without limitations. To see the smile on his face when he gets to put his hands on the instruments in the Instrument Petting Zoo…where else can kids put their hands all over real instruments?! My son put his cheek on the cello to feel the vibrations. It was a magical experience for him.”
The Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s sensory-friendly performance goes beyond a concert; it’s a welcoming musical event where people of all ages and abilities can immerse themselves in the world of classical music. Tickets, priced affordably at just $10, offer families a unique opportunity to connect with music in a space that celebrates diversity and accessibility. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit georgiasymphony.org/special-events.
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