As someone who believes strongly in instilling a love of music in my children, I'm a tremendous fan of The Little Orchestra Society and its engaging performances for kids ages 3 and up.  Both the Lolli-Pops (for ages 3-5) and Happy Concerts for Young People (for ages 6-12) series bring classical music to life through stellar performances that never fail to delight.  For the tiniest of tots, there's really no better introduction to the joys of classical music than the Lolli-Pops concerts, which take place at the lovely Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College.  Aptly billed as the "sweetest little show in the city," Lolli-Pops concerts introduce kids ages 3-5 to classical music by combining music, drama, dance and the visual arts in unique and engaging ways that inspire a life-long connection with music.  Lovable characters Bang the Lion, Buzz the Bee, Bow the Panda and Toot the Bird join the orchestra in leading the audience in a musical adventure that will charm the socks off even the most jaded NYC toddler. 

By combining familiar songs and melodies with classical compositions, the Lolli-Pops inspire kids and adults of all ages to sing, dance and tap along to the music.  But what's really struck me when I've attended these performances with my 4-year-old daughter Sadie is that the Lolli-Pops gang doesn't just perform for children.  Rather, the ensemble educates and engages in a way that forges a real connection between the orchestra and the audience.  Sadie has had a blast learning about the different instruments that comprise an orchestra and the way each instrument makes its own unique contribution to the overall production.  The show's enjoyment is only enhanced by the intimate Kaye Playhouse, which serves as the perfect venue for a child's first orchestra experience.

The Little Orchestra Society recently announced its lineup for the 2012-2013 Lolli-Pops season, and it's a stunner.  The series will kick off in October with the Lolli-Pops' classic favorite, The Orchestra - A Happy Family, a sweet treat of musical bonbons - from candy canes and chocolates, to sugarplums and cakewalks.  In November, budding musicians will delight in Things That Go Bang!, a friendly competition of pots, pans and paws shows how the percussion family makes music.   Just in time for the holiday season, December will feature Peter and the Wolf, through which children and adults will see and hear how musical themes evoke characters and how the orchestra tells a story.  Things get even more exciting in February 2013 with Who's Got the Beat?, which explores the rhythms and beats that make music move, with works by Bizet and Dvořák.  March's program, Meet the Maestro, allows children to become conductors and help lead the orchestra as they learn how gestures shape the music of Beethoven, Bach and Ravel.  The Lolli-Pops' exciting season will conclude in April with The Magical Musical Pencil, a brand-new program featuring children's book author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds.

You can bet that Sadie and I are looking forward to the upcoming Lolli-Pops season, and I strongly encourage you to bring your family to share in the fun.  These performances are extremely popular and do tend to sell out, so it's best to purchase a season subscription in advance.  You can purchase a 6-concert or 3-concert subscription, or create your own 3-concert series by clicking here or calling (212) 971-9500.  As an added bonus, from now until Labor Day, The Little Orchestra Society is offering a fabulous discounted rate on subscriptions.  Subscription prices will revert to normal after Labor Day, so don't delay!  Enjoy the shows!

Disclosure:  The Little Orchestra Society is a Macaroni Kid sponsor.  The opinions expressed herein are, as always, entirely my own.