Andrew and I attended a Folk Music and the Orchestra concert at Orchestra Hall in Downtown Minneapolis earlier today. I am a huge fan of the arts, and one of the many perks of being a homeschool parent in a metropolitan area is reasonably priced tickets to arts events like this. For $5 a seat we get to not only hear the full might of the Minnesota Orchestra, but with every Children’s Concert we get to see actors or dancers or famous musician’s that really seek to connect the kids to the music. This concert featured a viola performance by Miss Minnesota 2006, Peter Ostrousko, and a hungarian dance troup. I realize not everyone lives near a city with a symphony or orchestra, but if you do, I highly recommend you search it out and see if they offer a kid friendly program at all throughout the year. Attendance at orchestral events is down in recent years and if you call the box office you will probably find a staff very willing to work with you and help you find a concert you can afford. Now if you are saying poo-poo to the idea of classical music, I say you really need to give a live concert a chance. I love to close my eyes during a concert and let the unfamiliar music take me away to another place. You don’t have to be an expert or a longterm fan, but I promise you if you give yourself the chance to try it out, you will be changed in some way. If you are a harried mom of young kids, find a babysitter and go, nothing is more relaxing! Here, take a taste here (you'll have to turn off my music player above first!)
http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/audio/BEETHOVEN_Symphony_No.3_IV_Finale.mp3
After the concert we headed out to one of my favorite restaurants, Bombay Bistro in downtown. Beautifully appointed, with a charming staff, this fast paced buffet style restaurant is so richly scented when you walk in the door you already feel like your dining! While there we talked about an upcoming concert at Orchestra Hall of a famous indian artist that will be joining us for the evening. I love the popular and world music concerts that are also at this venue. If you really HATE classical music this might be another option for you to try, although these concerts tend to be more expensive and less likely to have rush tickets available. Still it never hurts to try! Here is a little clip from that upcoming concert.
http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/audio/ANOUSHKA_SHANKAR_Beloved.mp3
Comments