Visit
Events
Cart
Log In
Log in
BackYoung Audiences
Upcoming Events
NSO Music for Young Audiences: The String Thing
Mon, Apr 30
A “silent” comedic tag-team—bassist Paul DeNola and violinist Heather LeDoux Green—takes a break from the NSO to introduce young audiences to some of the greatest music ever written in a hilarious program of music and mayhem. Age 3+
Sound Health: Second Saturdays
May 12 - Jul 14, 2018
This new series of free workshops designed for families with children under the age of 8* explores the power of the arts to promote wellness of the mind and body. Every second Saturday of the month, local arts organizations offer two 45-minute workshops in the Kennedy Center Grand Foyer.
Millennium Stage: Batucada for Cuba: From Brooklyn to Brazil (part of Artes de Cuba)
Sat, May 12, 2018, 6:00 PM
FREE, no tickets required. With an opening performance by New York-based youth drumming squad Brooklyn United Marching Band, and a full performance by D.C.-based Afro-Brazilian all-female percussion band Batalá, the Millennium Stage pays tribute to the roots of Caribbean and Latin drumming traditions.
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Brass of Peace
May 18 - May 19, 2018
Comprised of 13 D.C.-area high school students, one of the city’s finest young brass ensembles joins retired NSO hornist Sylvia Alimena to teach audiences all about how this family of instruments makes music out of metal and wind. Age 3+
Ever in the Glades
Jun 6 - Jun 10, 2018
On an isolated island deep in the heart of the Everglades, five teenagers make a daring attempt to escape to the mainland from a place where the adults are as dangerous as the gators. Age 12+
Update as of 12/8: Please see below for details about select performances for school groups only.
American Revolution
Oct 12 - Oct 14, 2018
Using only 7 actors and their bodies on a tiny stage, Theater Unspeakable recreates the entire American fight for independence in 50 minutes. Age 9+
Long Way Down
Oct 27 - Nov 4, 2018
D.C.-area native Jason Reynolds's New York Times best-selling book comes to the stage in a compelling and timely production. Age 12+
NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular
Sun, Oct 28
An annual tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when the NSO performs new and old classics to celebrate Halloween, which this year also marks the Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) with our ghoulishly attired musicians. Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Age 5+
How to Catch a Star
Nov 21 - Dec 16, 2018
Best-selling author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers's beloved children’s book about chasing your dreams comes to vivid life, featuring colorful projections and choreographed movement. Age 3+
Washington National Opera: Holiday Family Opera: The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me
Dec 14 - Dec 16, 2018
As the first Christmas nears, a special character will share the Nativity story from his perspective: the donkey! Director Francesca Zambello brings the award-winning children's book to vibrant life in this heartwarming family opera, revived after its acclaimed 2013 world premiere.
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Timbalooloo Live
Dec 26 - Dec 31, 2018
Explore the thrilling language of instruments! Grammy Award®–winning clarinetist and composer Oran Etkin and his band use games, stories, songs, and movement to teach children rich musical and cultural heritage. Age 3+
Cartography
Jan 11 - Jan 13, 2019
From the effects of climate change to war and poverty, this powerful story examines the forces that shape where we have come from, how we have moved, and where we are going. Age 9+
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Banda Magda
Jan 26 - Jan 27, 2019
This award-winning band combines South American rhythms with jazz improvisation, sung in six languages for a globetrotting adventure. Age 7+
She A Gem
Feb 15 - Feb 24, 2019
Jump into a tale of double-dutch, friendship, and teamwork. In this original play by Josh Wilder, Krystin, Jaleesa, and Amber form a double-dutch team in inner city Philadelphia to compete in their neighborhood pageant. Age 12+
NSO Family Concert: Let's Go to the Moon!
Sun, Feb 24
As the 50th anniversary of the moon landing draws near, join the NSO for a fun-filled concert of interstellar proportions!
The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963
Mar 15 - Mar 24, 2019
Experience the beloved story of a family’s bond and endurance amidst one of the darkest periods in America’s history. Age 9+
VOYAGERS: A Dance Among The Planets
Mar 29 - Mar 31, 2019
D.C. dance ensemble Company | E shares an interplanetary display of modern movement set to Gustav Holst’s The Planets. Age 5+
NSO Family Concert: Symphonic Storytelling: TheTravels of Babar
Sun, Apr 7
Come children (and children at heart!) for a concert that mixes the magic of stories, images, and music, including the U.S. premiere of Return to the Land of the Elephants by composer Raphael Mostel, based on The Travels of Babar storybooks.
The Me I Want to Sing
Sat, Apr 13
This riveting two-performer show blends opera legends Marian Anderson and Leontyne Price’s most memorable performances—including opera, art songs, and more—with narrative spoken word. Age 12+
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Break it Down!
Apr 27 - Apr 28, 2019
This energetic program delights in dissecting parts of music and musical instruments. Children will be amazed by the way instruments from the wind and percussion families are taken apart and put back together again. Age 3+
Colors
May 18 - May 19, 2019
Dancers maneuver a set brought to life with fabric, projections, and sensors to explore children’s relationships to colors. Age 5+