“Thursday’s symphony performance is one many families, like Ho Anthony Ahn’s, will always remember,” writes Ariel Rothfield last Tuesday (10/24) at television station KSHB (Kansas City, MO). “Ahn’s son Conrad is on the autism spectrum, and for the first time, Conrad was able to sit in a concert hall and listen to music in an environment designed specifically for him. This was the Kansas City Symphony’s first sensory-friendly performance … designed especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, who are sensory sensitive or may have other needs…. The lights were kept on and the music was much quieter. The audience could move around … even make noise while watching the space-themed program. ‘It was wonderful for us to see that connection and that love in the audience,’ said First Violinist Dorris Dai Janseen. Ahn agreed. He played for the symphony for 20 years before retiring to take care of Conrad.… Ahn’s family had never attended one of his concerts altogether…. Calling Thursday a success, the Kansas City Symphony hopes to have more events like this one in the future.” The Kansas City Symphony is among many orchestras that have recently begun offering concerts for people with autism spectrum disorders.
Posted October 31, 2017
