Richmond Philharmonic hosts special Children’s Concert

For students enrolled in Friends Association for Children’s Private Music Instruction Program

FRIENDS Association for Children is proud to announce that the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra will present a special concert for 95 students enrolled in the FRIENDS Private Music Instruction Program.  This concert will take place on Monday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center in Richmond, Virginia. (The Richmond Philharmonic Concert is for FRIENDS students and is not open to the public.)

The Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra, one of a handful of member-run orchestras in America, has been presenting concerts to Richmond audiences for more than 35 years. Now, through funding provided by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the orchestra is hosting a very special event for this group of young musicians.

 

On November 2, the Philharmonic will provide transportation to the theater, an “Instrumental Petting Zoo”, an opportunity for the students to get an up-close look at the instruments played by members of the Philharmonic, and a concert of music specially chosen for the young listener. Robert Mirakian, Music Director of the Philharmonic, will meet with the students at 4:00 p.m. on November 2 at the FRIENDS center at 1004 St. John Street to prepare the students for this exciting experience. The children will then eat dinner and board busses to travel to the Robinson Theater.

John C. Purnell, Jr., Executive Director for FRIENDS Association for Children, says, “This is an excellent opportunity for children enrolled in the Music and Performing Arts Program to share time with accomplished musicians and benefit from their talent and interest with the Richmond community. This will be truly new and inspiring for our children, and will give them a better appreciation for the meaning of music for them. FRIENDS thanks the Richmond Philharmonic for its investment in our program.”

Friends Association for Children offers private music instruction as part of its Music and Performing Arts Program for community service. Over 90 children receive weekly instruction on a variety of instruments, including piano, strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion, plus singing and acting. Lessons are taught by 25 volunteer instructors and offered free of charge to participating families. Many of these instructors will be attending the concert with their students.

Individuals interested in participating in the Private Music Instruction Program as either an instructor or as a student should contact:

For lessons at the FRIENDS Family Center, 1004 St John Street, call Elizabeth Scribner at 804-644-2357

For lessons at the Robert L. Taylor Childcare Center, 929 North 26th Street, Call Dee Lynch at 804-644-2357

Click on www.friendsassn.org for more information about FRIENDS Association for Children.

Click on www.freewebs.com/friendsmusicandperfromingarts for more information about FRIENDS Music and Performing Arts.