New York Philharmonic to Conclude 'Very Young People's Concerts' with BRASS, 3/17-18

The New York Philharmonic Very Young People's Concerts, for children ages 3 to 6, will conclude Sunday, March 17, 2013, at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. and Monday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street. The program, titled Philharmonic Families: "Brass," is the final installment in a season of concerts presenting an overview of the sections of the symphony orchestra.

The concerts explore basic musical ideas through movement, singing and humor. For this series, Philharmonic Associate PrincipAl Viola Rebecca Young is the host; Philharmonic violist Dorian Rence is the writer and narrator of stories about Philippe the Penguin, a character created for the series; and Marion Schoevaert is the illustrator.

The "Brass" program will feature the New York Philharmonic Principal Brass Quintet, comprising Principal Trumpet Philip Smith, trumpet player Ethan Bensdorf, Principal Horn Philip Myers, Principal Trombone Joseph Alessi, and Principal Tuba Alan Baer. The New York Philharmonic Principal Brass Quintet enjoys worldwide exposure and an international reputation.

Very Young People's Concerts are designed by Philharmonic musicians working with faculty from Teachers College of Columbia University to introduce young children to classical music through games, active listening, and hands-on music-making. Before each concert, musicians are stationed throughout Merkin Concert Hall to greet families and initiate musical activities on the day's theme. After each performance, children have an opportunity to try orchestral instruments themselves.

Single tickets start at $21. Limited availability. Tickets may be purchased online at nyphil.org or by calling (212) 875-5656, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets may also be purchased at the Avery Fisher Hall Box Office. The Box Office opens at 10:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and at noon on Sunday. On performance evenings, the Box Office closes one-half hour after performance time; other evenings it closes at 6:00 p.m. To determine ticket availability, call the New York Philharmonic's Customer Relations Department at (212) 875-5656. For Group Sales call 212-875-5672 or groups@nyphil.org.

Pictured: Very Young People's Concert. Photo by Michael DiVito.