NY Phil's VERY YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONCERTS to Conclude with AT HOME WITH PHILHARMONIC FAMILIES, 4/27-28

The New York Philharmonic Very Young People's Concerts (VYPCs), for children ages three to six, conclude Sunday, April 27, 2014, at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. and Monday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street. The program, titled At Home with Philharmonic Families: "Percussion," is the final installment in a season of concerts presenting an overview of the sections of the symphony orchestra. 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 "Percussion" program will feature stories and illustrations set to John Cage's Second Construction and a selection from Nigel Westlake's Omphalic Centric Lecture, performed by Principal Percussion Christopher S. Lamb, Associate Principal Percussion Daniel Druckman, Principal Timpani Markus Rhoten, and Assistant Principal Timpani and percussionist Kyle Zerna.

The VYPCs 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 $22 and have 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. Saturday; and noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. Tickets may also be purchased at the Avery Fisher Hall Box Office. 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.

Photo Credit: Michael DiVito