My dad and most of the Verdés side of the family grew up playing multiple instruments. He loved, loved, loved any kind of music, but was an afficionado of classical and played both the piano and the cello.
As much as I love my salsa music, oldies, and classic rock, I love listening to classical when I'm working on an art project. I think it soothes the nerves and helps me relax enough to tap into my right-brain creative self.
So you can imagine my delight when I received an invitation to visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles to hear the LA Philharmonic (that's the LA Phil to us cool people) perform Mendelssohn's Mystical Landscapes. This concert is part of their Toyota Symphonies for Youth series at the hall.
The LA Phil advertises this family-friendly series as one that makes symphonic music come alive for kids.
From the LA Phil website:
When the young Felix Mendelssohn sets out on his first adventure to Scotland, his beloved sister Fanny is heartbroken that she has to stay home. Fanny breathlessly awaits Felix's letters, which sometimes include lines of new music. And through his music — inspired by crumbling castles, lively bagpipes, violent ocean waves, and the enchanted Fingal's Cave — Fanny is transported to her brother's side. If we really listen, we get to go to these mystical lands, too.
The ultimate family event, combining fun and fantasy, makes the LA Phil part of your child’s wonderful world. Led by the LA Phil’s Dudamel Conducting Fellows and directed by theater artists, this series of captivating orchestral concerts will give your children (ages 5-11) the opportunity to create memories they’ll never forget.
My "youths" are 15 and 18, but they were completely delighted (as I was) with the entire program.
Before the concert there were art, dance, craft, and storytelling workshops.
But our hands-down (hands-on?) favorite was the Instrument Petting Zoo where the kids were encouraged to touch and play (Hey! That works on two levels!) with the musical instruments.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is that crazy, space-age, jaw-droppingly-beautiful building in Downtown Los Angeles.
It would be worth a trip to LA just to experience the magic and majesty of the place.
But the music. Ah, the music…
My kids were definitely the two oldest at this event, but they're both musicians so they were able to appreciate the beauty of it all. They were captivated by the program, by the hall, and of course, by the Instrument Petting Zoo. 😉
Could this boy look any happier?
Mendelssohn's Mystical Landscapes will be performed again this coming Saturday, November 12th, 2011. Click here for details and tickets.
We are already making plans to return for other events at the hall – Hello, Handel's Messiah Sing-along (!) Extra coolness points – the concerts are awesomely affordable for families.
And the exposure to such beautiful music in such an amazing setting definitely impacted us personally.
Jonathan: "Mom, I might need to get a violin."
See what I mean?
{A special thank you to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil, the Toyota Symphonies for Youth, and alPunto Advertising for the wonderful musical memories.}
Marta says
Thanks, Mercedes!It was SO. MUCH. FUN. Seriously.
Marta says
Laura,I think “play” is the key. Letting them play with the instruments was genius.
Besos,
Marta
Mercedes @BeChicMag says
How fun! Great looking family. Many blessings to you 🙂http://bechicmag.com/
Laura says
How cool to experience an Instrument Petting Zoo. I would love to take my son to one. My daughter started playing the piano and violin when she was 5, but we haven’t figured out what my son should play.
AutismWonderland says
This looks amazing! And I love that you got the whole family involved. I am dying to go to LA – one day I will and this will be on my list of things to see.
Marta M. Darby says
You would love, love, love it!
Jenny @simmerandsteam says
I loved reading this! it reminds me of my dad who was an avid piano player and passed it onto me for a time 🙂
Monique says
OK seriously…your family is too cute! I know who they get it from! 😉
Monica says
So cool! Will you adopt me, please?
Tamera Beardsley says
So happy to see you and your beautiful children…sending you all much love.
Marta M. Darby says
Hi Jenny,I’m so glad! Enjoy!
Marta M. Darby says
Me?Yes! *fist pull*
😉
Marta M. Darby says
Yes.But you’d have to sleep in Lucy’s room. I’ll have to ask. ;-P
Marta M. Darby says
Thank you, Tamera!We’ll take your love and raise you kisses!
xoxo,
M
Viviana Hurtado/The Wise Latina Club says
Loved this post, especially the video! Your kids are adorbs beyond. What a PERFECT way to get the word out to parents and kids about this terrific arts education opportunity, thru. cool, hip youngin’s.
Marta M. Darby says
Thanks, Viviana!I’ll pass on your kind words to my cool, hip youngin’s. 😉