From intimate settings where enthusiastic expressions are celebrated to breakout spaces for those who wish to step away momentarily, Opening Notes invites all to enjoy live performances in a welcoming and safe environment.
One of the allures of a live performance by a full orchestra, band, or even chamber ensemble is that the dynamics produce a multisensory listening experience that engages people in unexpected ways. Colburn’s new Opening Notes series celebrates these exciting and magical moments in an environment where everyone belongs.
Opening Notes is a series created specifically to encourage children 13 and younger to engage with a range of performance settings—but all ages and abilities are invited to join in the experience. Typically held on Saturday mornings, these events are crafted to embrace and accommodate everyone’s unique way of receiving music. Fluctuations in volume or intensity, for example, can be disconcerting for individuals with sound or sensory sensitivities. Others may be moved to express their authentic responses through vocalization during a performance. Opening Notes creates a safe environment where all interactions are accepted without judgment.
Earlier this year, Colburn trustee Peter Chang and his wife Betty Hsu, who are Community School of Performing Arts parents, expressed their deep desire to see more programming available for children with sensory sensitivities and neurodivergent individuals. They were motivated to seek avenues to share their passion for classical music with both their daughters, one of whom is neurodivergent.
“Our daughter, Liv, lights up the moment she hears music, but she’s never been able to sit in the audience at her sister Gemma’s recitals because she can’t sit still and she might clap or laugh out loud with joy. We want families like ours to have the space and freedom to enjoy music without worry, whatever that enjoyment looks or sounds like, and whomever they are. We want everyone, no matter how their body or mind experiences the world, to fully embrace music,” says Hsu.
“Opening Notes is our way of building a place where Liv can clap, laugh, and light up right along with people and music, and simply belong. This series is made to welcome those young, excited, and not-so-traditional music lovers. Above all, music should be a universal experience and accessible to everyone, not an exclusive privilege,” she adds.
Colburn’s Center for Innovation and Community Impact took the lead in developing a pilot performance last April, and Chang and Hsu invited other families from their children’s community to attend the inaugural event. It featured a Conservatory of Music chamber group, the 12 String Trio, who trained and worked with an expert in the field leading up to the event. Together, they designed an interactive experience tailored specifically for this concert. Along with playing music, they enhanced the performance by incorporating props and offering prompts for the children to participate at their leisure. The performers also attentively narrated the journey between each excerpt for this captivated audience.
The event was extremely well received by children, parents, grandparents, caretakers, and musicians. It became the foundation for the Opening Notes series, which is generously underwritten by Chang and Hsu.
Nurturing Inclusive Spaces and Experiences
This season, each 40-minute Opening Notes performance provides thoughtfully themed musical selections, with repertoire intentionally selected to inspire the imagination and encourage engagement. Kicking it off next month, the 12 String Trio returns to guide listeners along a theatrical adventure. Later in the fall, Conservatory students will introduce orchestral presentations and sensory-friendly listening experiences through chamber music. For events with larger audiences, Colburn will provide a separate area designated for concertgoers who may wish to step away if needed.
In addition to engaging members of the neurodivergent community and their families, Opening Notes gives Conservatory students opportunities to expand their learning and performance abilities outside of traditional spaces.
“At Colburn, we aim to nurture holistic artists who meet audiences where they are—from veteran concert-goers to new families to everyone in between. By providing students with valuable experiences like this series, we prepare them to grow not only as mature artists, but also as empathetic members of society,” says Nina Zhou Girard, Assistant Vice President of Academic Philanthropy and a member of the Conservatory’s pedagogy faculty.
“Opening Notes is an essential part of Colburn’s commitment to ensuring that the performing arts are accessible to everyone, creating meaningful educational experiences where all children can experience the joy of live music, build community with their families, and feel a true sense of belonging. We are deeply grateful to Betty and Peter for their generosity in making this important work possible,” adds Chief Academic Officer and Provost Nathaniel Zeisler.
Visit our Calendar of Events for Opening Notes performance dates and details.