The Nashville Symphony’s 2018/19 Ann and Monroe Carell Family Trust Family Series begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center with Pirates! The Quest for Blackbeard’s Treasure, the first of four performances in a revamped format that now offers a sensory-friendly concert experience for patrons on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities.
Led by assistant conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the orchestra will perform an array of swashbuckling-themed selections, including music from Pirates of the Caribbean and The Adventures of Tintin, Wagner’s Overture to The Flying Dutchman, John Williams’ “Flight to Neverland” from Hook and more. Free pre-concert activities, including the Symphony’s Popular Instrument Petting Zoo, crafts and story nook and more, begin at 10 a.m. in the Main Lobby.
Tickets start at $17 (plus fees) and can be purchased online at NashvilleSymphony.org, via phone at 615.687.6400 and at the Schermerhorn Box Office at One Symphony Place in downtown Nashville.
Formerly called the Pied Piper Children’s Series, these Saturday-morning concerts feature a blend of musical and staged elements designed to introduce youngsters to classical repertoire. The transitioning of all Family Series concerts to a sensory-friendly format is part of the Nashville Symphony’s commitment to providing inclusive programming and builds on the success of sensory-friendly performances the organization has presented in the past two seasons.
The Symphony has collaborated with Vanderbilt’s Inclusion Network of Nashville (INN) and a number of other organizations to develop comprehensive sensory-friendly programming and create a safe and relaxing concert environment for Family Series performances that include:
- No shushing
- Booster seats
- Raised lighting
- Flexible seating
- Closed captioning
- Kiosk with fidget toys, headphones, social stories and more
- Quiet spaces in Curb Education Hall and Balcony Lobby alcoves
Supplemental materials to help attendees plan their visit, including social stories and a building map, are also available for download at: https://www.nashvillesymphony.org/sensoryfriendly.
Tickets are on sale for all 2018/19 Family Series concerts. Season ticket packages offer discounted pricing, free and flexible ticket exchanges, a free bonus ticket voucher and more. Other performances in the series include:
- The Grinch Christmas & Sing-Along (December 1, 2018): Celebrate the season with a musical retelling of Dr. Seuss’ beloved story, along with other holiday favorites and sing-along bonanza.
- Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Music (February 9, 2019): When the orchestra’s music goes missing, Sherlock is on the case and everyone is a suspect.
- Once Upon a Time…A Symphonic Fairytale (April 20, 2019): Princesses and princes alike will adore this new fairytale adventure featuring classic characters and music.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit NashvilleSymphony.org/FamilySeries.
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Bethany Bowman is an entertainer writer for The Tennessee Star. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Graphic “Pirates! The Quest for Blackbeard’s Treasure” by nashvillesymphony.org.
