Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Children's Concert and Instrument Petting Zoo

Apex Arts League is starting the new year with a bang  ̶  as in cymbals  ̶  by hosting a children’s concert with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (FWSO). This special evening of music will be held January 17, 7:00 p.m., at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

According to Terri Messing, chairman of Apex Arts League, this is the first time a nationally rated orchestra has presented a program in Southlake especially designed for children and their families.

“The goal of Apex is to provide high quality arts opportunities close to home. Since this is a community of families, we thought a concert specifically geared toward children was a good fit,” Messing states, noting the organization is looking at other ways to expand its children’s programming.

Titled “Picture the Music,” the concert will include shorter program music that describes things children can easily understand, such as butterflies (works by Rimsky Korsakov and Elgar), the elephant and swan (Saint-Saëns), and conversations of “Beauty and the Beast” (Ravel).

Pre-concert entertainment features an “instrument petting zoo” with representatives of the strings, woodwind and brass families. Starting at 6:00 p.m., children and their parents will have the unique opportunity to get up-close and personal to orchestral instruments. Children will be able to hold and play several instruments of their choosing while interacting with FWSO personnel and volunteers.

“The FWSO suggested the instrument petting zoo as part of the plan to do a children’s concert here,” says Messing. “Major orchestras around the country are providing these experiences as a successful way to reach out to kids.”

Central Market has made it possible for children under 10 to attend free of cost. Tickets for the children’s concert, which includes the instrument petting zoo, are $40 Golden Circle, $20 adults, $15 students, seniors and Apex members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.apexartsleague.org.