This December, gather the whānau together for our festive family concert, APO 4 Kids Christmas. With concerts in the city centre and on the North Shore, this low-cost, fun and interactive music event is a great way for children to experience the excitement and togetherness of a live performance.
APO 4 Kids Christmas is a vibrant interactive experience that’s a great opportunity for children to learn about music through play and interaction; they can sing and dance along with the music, have a go at conducting, and see the instruments up close on a walk-through of the orchestra while the musicians are playing.
The 45-minute performance features our full orchestra playing favourite Christmas songs and festive orchestral music, narrated by familiar faces from New Zealand theatre, film and television - Renee Lyons and Wesley Dowdell. With a music selection that includes Christmas classics ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ and ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’, to popular orchestral work, such as Nutcracker Suite No.1: March, APO 4 Kids Christmas is sure to bring the colour and variety of the orchestra to littlies from across Auckland.
This event is designed with preschoolers and early primary-aged children in mind, but all the family are welcome to join in this lively hour of familiar tunes, sing-along songs and interactive activities for tamariki. Most of the Auckland Town Hall stalls seating will be moved to make way for cushions and make it a great space for kids to have fun dancing and listening to the music.
Auckland Philharmonia’s Director of Learn & Participate, Thomas Hamill, is passionate about the benefits of children experiencing live music in a concert hall, often for the first time.
He says, “This early impression can spark a lifelong love and connection with music. Experiencing a concert with a full orchestra, together with whānau, friends, and the wider community, creates a sense of belonging, and through their interaction and closeness, breaks down barriers to the music and musicians. Being introduced to the instruments of the orchestra also educates and inspires both children and adults alike.”
The benefits of engaging children with music include contributing to overall well-being and mental health and helping to regulate emotions. Auckland Philharmonia’s APO 4 Kids events also provide opportunities to build relationships and connections, and promote skills in listening and cooperation.
APO 4 Kids is a fantastic way to show the youngest members of your family just how much fun music can be. Come along and see the instruments of the orchestra come alive in this narrated and interactive concert for under-sixes.