Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Review: Music for the Very Young Old MacDonald’s Symphony

February 9, 2019

When the morning arrived to go see Music for the Very Young’s Old MacDonald’s Symphony, Robbie and I were so excited we somehow managed to arrive early. Fortunately, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and their staff at Woodruff Arts Center provides a magical room full of activities to entertain and distract children before the performance.

All themed to Old MacDonald’s musical adventure were perfectly sized tables and chairs armed with crayons and worksheets which made a cute keepsake for later. There were also big foam blocks to play with, sensory color and shape matching toys, and a felt board for kids to play with shapes. Olivia’s favorite activity was rearranging the books and circle rugs that were displayed on the floor. As parents filtered in with their children, the room became very lively and created an impromptu playdate environment.

As promised, our host, Farmer MacDonald, came in to escort us to the farm. Parents and children lined up to make their short journey across the hall. Olivia knew she was going somewhere special when we heard a string quartet eloquently playing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.” Because of Olivia’s graceful pace, we were one of the last groups to walk in and had to sit at the back of the room, but it actually worked out for the best.

The room is set up with playful circular red mats for each family to sit on. A huge aisle in the middle is the stage space, where Farmer MacDonald interacts with the children in a relaxing, informal environment. Olivia had plenty of breathing room to escape her parents’ clutches and walk to touch the farmer’s “chickens” and “pigs.” As we heard beautiful songs played by the quartet, Robbie and I didn’t feel extreme awkwardness every time we had to reign in our adventurous daughter from taking over the farm.

The kids’ ages were around 8 years and younger. At 1, Olivia and another girl were the youngest. While the older kids were a bit faster to help the farmer with “chores,” it didn’t stop Olivia from joining the action.

Another highlight comes at the end of the production. Parents and children are invited to take pictures while they meet the musicians and are introduced to the instruments. Of course Olivia somehow found the stuffed chickens hiding behind a box first, but eventually made her way to the cellist. And then she found the stuffed pig. Needless to say our daughter will more likely be a farmer than a musician.

–Amelia Ramirez

Join musicians and storytellers in songs inspired by classic stories, which will have kids dancing, playing and engaging with music. Feb. 9-10 and 16-17. Sat. 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sun. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Adults, $15; ages 6-17, $8; ages 5 and younger, free.

Venue

Atlanta Symphony Hall
1280 Peachtree Street
Atlanta,
+ Google Map
Phone
404-733-5000