CONCERTS FOR FAMILIES

Space Junk

Saturday, April 11, 11am

Gerald Karni, conductor
WindSync, wind quintet
San Diego Symphony Orchestra

R. STRAUSS: “Sunrise Fanfare” from Also sprach Zarathustra
JESSIE MONTGOMERY (arr. Jannina Norpoth): Starburst
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: "Allegro con brio" and "Allegro" from
   Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
IVAN TREVINO: Space Junk (World Premiere)
JOHN WILLIAMS: “Main Title” from Star Wars

Blast off with the San Diego Symphony for a cosmic adventure through music! From the triumphant "Sunrise Fanfare" to the dramatic Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and the iconic Star Wars theme, this concert will take you to the stars and beyond. With the world premiere of Space Junk, it’s a family-friendly journey through the galaxy you won’t want to miss!

• Buy Tickets

Trick or Treat Symphony

Saturday, October 31, 11am

Step into a musical Halloween adventure where magic, mystery, and music come alive! With flying bats, swirling dances, and a dash of orchestral mischief, the San Diego Symphony transforms Jacobs Music Center into a playful world of imagination and surprise. Families will journey through spooky mountains, glittering ballrooms, and enchanted forests – where melodies tiptoe, whirl, and even disguise themselves!

• Learn More

Lunar New Year: Music in Full Bloom

Saturday, February 6, 2027, 11am

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the San Diego Symphony in a joyful concert filled with color, rhythm, and new beginnings. You’ll hear festive dances, the peaceful glow of Clair de lune, and the playful spirit of Rhapsody in Blue. This program blends tradition, imagination, and music that rings in the Year of the Goat!

• Learn More

Carnival of the Animals: Music on the Wild Side

Saturday, March 6, 2027, 11am

Get ready for a musical safari! From buzzing bumblebees and clucking hens to proud lions, hopping kangaroos, and graceful swans, the San Diego Symphony brings the animal kingdom to life through color, rhythm and imagination. Families will hear how music paints pictures – how strings can flutter like wings, how pianos can trot like donkeys, and how melodies can dive, leap, strut and soar.

• Learn More

Meet the Strings: Ferdinand the Bull

Saturday, March 28, 10am & 11:30am

Featuring a San Diego Symphony Orchestra String Quintet

Join us for the heartwarming tale of Ferdinand the Bull, told through music and the beautiful melodies of the string family. Violins, violas, cellos and basses will take center stage, bringing Ferdinand’s peaceful world to life in this charming, interactive experience. A gentle and joyful way to inspire budding music lovers.

BUY TICKETS - 10am   BUY TICKETS - 11:30am

Meet The Strings: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Saturday, October 24, 10am & 11:30am

A gentle, twinkling welcome into the world of string instruments! Perfect for babies, toddlers and curious preschoolers, this sensory-friendly 25-minute concert creates a cozy space where little ones can listen, sway, or simply sparkle with wonder. Featuring the soothing sounds of violins, violas, cellos and bass, children will hear how music can shimmer, hum and glow – just like a starry night. No need to sit still; movement, giggles and singing are part of the magic.

• Learn More

Meet The Brass: March of the Toys

Saturday, December 12, 10am & 11:30am

Trumpets, French horns, trombones and tubas come to life in this playful, imagination-filled concert for ages 0–5! With the sounds of marching toys, silly horns, and gentle brass melodies, little ones will hear how music can stomp, tiptoe, wiggle and dance. Children are encouraged to march, bounce or simply listen in their own way in this welcoming, sensory-friendly space. A joyful first introduction to the bold, bright world of brass.

• Learn More

Meet The Percussion: One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

February 13, 2027, 10am & 11:30am

Tap, shake, rattle and roll! This interactive, sensory-friendly concert invites little listeners to explore the rhythms of drums, shakers, tambourines and chimes. Children will hear how music can count, bounce, whisper and roar – all starting with a familiar nursery rhyme. Designed especially for ages 0–5, this experience welcomes wiggles, claps and joyful noise. A magical first step into the world of percussion.

• Learn More

Meet The Winds: Peter and the Wolf

Saturday, April 3, 2027, 10am & 11:30am

In this cozy introduction to woodwind instruments, young children will hear the characters of Peter and the Wolf come to life through the flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and French horn. With gentle narration, friendly pacing, and a sensory-friendly environment, little listeners are free to move, imagine and engage as they wish. A beautifully calm and creative first experience with musical storytelling.

• Learn More