Ben Simon, director of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, has never forgotten those Saturday mornings at noon, at Carnegie Hall, going to Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts in the early 1960s. Five years ago he created his own version of those concerts — but for very small children. He calls the series, Very First Concerts. They’ve become a huge hit.
“There’s just so little classical music in today’s culture for young people. We wanted to show them just how beautiful and exciting this kind of music is. We’re growing the audiences of tomorrow. I should add this is not watered down, but at the same time, it’s not pretentious or unapproachable. We bring humor and great care to the presentation. It’s interactive, engaging stuff.”
The show is designed for children as young as three and includes 12 musicians — four string players, four brass, four wind. Each player introduces his instrument. Simon provides a guiding narrative about orchestras and adds, “My job is to keep it all short.” Music by Mozart, Dvořák, and Giovanni Gabrieli. Dancing is encouraged. Tumbling mats included.
Simon has also assembled a series of Family Concerts that run throughout the year. Next: Nov. 3 and 4: at the Randall Museum in San Francisco; the Asian Cultural Center in Oakland; and the College of San Mateo. Go to the website's family events for more information. For children ages 3 through 12. Performances often include youth soloists.
“Meet the Orchestra” takes place Oct. 20 at 10:30 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 11:50 a.m., Congregational Church of San Mateo; Oct. 21 at 10:40 a.m., 11:20 a.m., 12 p.m., Crowden School in Berkeley (part of Community Music Day). Free admission.