I'm beyond thrilled to let you know that one of my favorite New York City institutions, The Little Orchestra Society, will kick off its 2012-2013 season next weekend with an audience favorite from its acclaimed Lolli-Pops series, The Orchestra - A Happy Family.  If you haven't been to a Lolli-Pops performance, you are truly missing out, as their programs never fail to impress with their unique and enriching approach.  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. 

In The Orchestra - A Happy Family, the musicians of The Little Orchestra Society, led by guest conductor Philip Mann and joined by the colorful Lolli-Pops characters, introduce their musical families to yours, where the drums Bang, the strings Bow, the brass Buzz and the winds Toot.  With music by Tchaikovsky and Debussy, the show will entertain kids and adults alike, although children in particular will appreciate the complimentary batons they'll receive to help the conductor close the show!  When we took in a performance of this show last season, my daughter Sadie 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.

It's sure to be an entertaining and engaging program, and I strongly encourage you to bring your family to share in the festivities.  The Orchestra - A Happy Family will take place on Saturday October 27th at 10am and 11:30am and on Sunday October 28th at 1pm and 2:30pm.  Tickets are $15 (rear balcony/rear orchestra) and $45 (prime seating).  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.littleorchestra.org.

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