Very First Concert: The Art of Listening (San Mateo) January 19, 2013

Designed to prime the ears of the youngest listeners as they explore not only the sounds that the Orchestra's musicians make with their instruments, but also the sounds heard all around them, this program takes place in the "Land of Listen."

The SFCO's concert series for babies, toddlers, and children was created by Music Director Ben Simon in 2007, in collaboration with the acclaimed Crowden School in Berkeley. Recently expanded to San Mateo, these 20-minute "mini concerts" feature a simple musical concept, short selections of classical repertoire, tumbling mats as an alternative to chairs, hands-on musical activities, and lively back-and-forth dialogue between the performers and the audience.

Consistently popular, these concerts are characterized as much by the young listeners' lively response to the rhythmic games and activities in which they engage (listening games, practicing different tempos, etc.) as they are by the rapt attention paid to the Orchestra's performance.

Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra's Very First Concert series is a fully professional production, produced in collaboration with the Crowden school of Berkeley. Seating is first come, first served.
Saturday, January 19, 2013-Concert begins at 10:30, 11:10, & 11:50 a.m. (Repeat Performances)
Congregational Church of San Mateo's Upstairs Youth Room, 105 N. Ellsworth Ave.

Renowned for its brilliant programming and top-quality musicians, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra is drawing capacity crowds and national attention for its unique admission-free policy. Committed to cultivating new audiences for classical music, the SFCO has earned its place among the best Bay Area ensembles. The Orchestra performs four Main Stage Concert programs each season, plus a wide variety of educational outreach programs, including three Family Concert programs and two Very First Concert programs for their youngest listeners.

Official Website: http://www.sfchamberorchestra.org/events/veryfirst/