Kids Can Be Kids at Georgia Symphony's New Interactive Performances

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra will perform Camille Saint Saëns’ whimsical Carnival of the Animals at 2 and 4 p.m. on April 27 at the Marietta Performing Arts Center in Marietta High School, 1171 Whitlock Avenue NW in Marietta.

The performances are part of the GSO’s family and sensory-friendly concert series.

Saint-Saëns’ entertaining composition invites young audience members to listen to the sounds of marching lions, pecking hens and roosters, bellowing elephants, graceful swans and other creatures in 14-short orchestral movements. Participants can dress up as their favorite animal.

The series is designed to let kids be kids and experience orchestral music without the constraints of a standard performance, within a 45-minute program. Up to 30 minutes before or after each concert, children can get up close and hands-on with a myriad of instruments in the lobby provided by Miss LaLa’s Instrument Petting Zoo. Many instruments, like small percussion, are simple enough to tap or pick up and shake. More complex instruments will have attendants to help strum, pluck or bow.

The 2 p.m. performance is designed specifically for sensory-sensitive individuals of any age and ability and their families. Audience members are free to move about, dance, speak, sing or vocalize. A quiet room will be available for those who need a break from the instrumental sounds. A free, downloadable guide entitled “I’m Going to a Concert,” is available on the GSO’s website.

General admission tickets are $10 plus a $1.10 convenience fee.

For more information, visit georgiasymphony.org/all-events .