“Hundreds of pint-sized princesses, witches, superheroes and skeletons paraded across the stage to the Funeral March of a Marionette, creating a festive ending to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s hourlong ‘Symphonic Spooktacular,’ ” writes Mark Sommer in Sunday’s (10/18) Buffalo News. “Leading the way was Associate Conductor Stefan Sanders, outfitted as one of the dancing hippopotamuses from ‘Fantasia.’ The concert … was a BPO Kids for Exceptional Kids program, providing youngsters with autism a chance to act naturally without families fearing a disruption to others…. For children with autism spectrum disorder, sound-muffling headphones, seats near exits and access to a quiet space for breaks were offered…. Kerrin Walling … appreciates how welcoming the BPO kids shows are. She was with autistic daughter Larkin, 11.… ‘Larkin’s autism makes it really hard to be in crowds like this, so it’s nice to have a place where we can go where she feels accepted and calm,’ Walling said.” Said Robin Parkinson, the BPO’s director of education and community engagement, “Increasing the number of young people and families introduced to the BPO is a really important part of our mission.” Read Symphony magazine’s article about orchestra concerts for families with autism here.
Posted October 20, 2015
Pictured: Costumed children parade across the Kleinhans Music Hall stage Sunday during the Buffalo Philharmonic’s “Symphonic Spooktacular.” Photo by John Hickey/Buffalo News
