New York Philharmonic VERY YOUNG PEOPLES CONCERTS Begin 4/26

The 2008–09 New York Philharmonic Very Young People’s Concerts, geared to children ages three to five, will begin on Sunday, April 26, 2009, at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m., and Monday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m., at Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street. This first program of the season, entitled “Allegro and Adagio,” will explore how tempo makes music fun, and will feature works by Dvořák, Brahms, and Smetana, along with hands-on music-making with musicians from the Orchestra.

Among the participants will be Philharmonic violist Judith Nelson, cellist Qiang Tu, Associate Principal Bass Jon Deak, and Associate Principal Bassoon Kim Laskowski, with Associate Principal Viola Rebecca Young as host. Philharmonic violist Dorian Rence — the writer and narrator of the Very Young People’s Concerts — will recount a story, brought vividly to life through projected illustrations by Marion Schoevaert.

In addition to “Allegro and Adagio,” the season’s programs will explore “Forte and Piano” (May 10–11) and “Treble and Bass” (June 14–15), with a focus on works by Antonín Dvořák and some of his contemporaries.

Now in their fourth season, the Very Young People’s Concerts are designed to introduce young children to classical music through games, active listening, and hands-on musicmaking. Before each concert, musicians are stationed in the Merkin Concert Hall lobby to greet families and initiate musical activities on the day’s theme. After each performance, children have an opportunity to try orchestral instruments themselves.

These performances have received special support from the Keller-Shatanoff Foundation, founded and endowed by Dr. Joseph and Betty Keller.

MetLife Foundation is the Lead Corporate Underwriter for the New York Philharmonic's Education Programs.

Credit Suisse is the Global Sponsor of the New York Philharmonic.

Programs of the New York Philharmonic are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Subscriptions for the Very Young People’s Concerts are $42 to $54; single tickets are $14 to $18. Limited availability. For information, call (212) 875-5656, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets may also be available at the Avery Fisher Box Office, Lincoln Center, Broadway at 65th Street. The Box Office opens at 10:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and at noon on Sunday. For press tickets, please call Lanore Carr at (212) 875-5714, or e-mail her at carrl@nyphil.org.