A Sensory-Friendly, Family Concert Brings Beloved Stories to Life
TOLEDO, OH — Families are invited to experience the magic of live orchestral music as the whimsical stories of Dr. Seuss leap from the page to the stage in Dr. Seuss and The Symphony, presented as part of The Andersons Inc. Charitable Foundation Family Series by the Toledo Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, January 25 at 3:00 PM in the Peristyle Theater at the Toledo Museum of Art.
Designed especially for young audiences and their families, this one-hour concert introduces children to the joy of live music through three narrated storybooks performed alongside a full orchestra. Featured works include “The Symphony Goes to the Zoo,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” and “The Sneetches,” creating a playful and engaging first concert experience for audiences of all ages.
The performance will be led by conductor Tamara Dworetz and narrated by TSO musician Robert Clemens, with vocal performances by soprano Grace Wipfli and child soprano Alayna Brazzil, bringing Dr. Seuss’s imaginative characters vividly to life through music and storytelling.
Dr. Seuss and The Symphony is designed to be an inclusive and accessible concert experience. The performance will feature an ASL interpreter and sensory-friendly supports to help audience members enjoy the concert in a comfortable and welcoming environment. A sensory guide is available in advance to assist families in preparing for the experience.
Families are encouraged to arrive early and participate in pre-concert activities from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM in the Green Room at the Toledo Museum of Art. Community partners—including the Toledo Symphony League, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Library, Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Live Arts Toledo—will host craft stations, interactive activities, and resource tables for children and caregivers.
Following the performance, audience members are invited to remain in the theater for a post-concert Q&A with Toledo Symphony musicians, offering children a chance to learn more about the instruments, the music, and the performers themselves.
Families may also explore the featured stories ahead of time through their local library. “The Symphony Goes to the Zoo,” written by Toledo Symphony musician Aaron Keaster with music composed by TSO musician William McDevitt, exemplifies the orchestra’s dedication to fostering curiosity, learning, and a lifelong appreciation for music within the community.
For additional details, including accessibility resources, sensory information, and tickets, visit liveartstoledo.com/seuss.
Dr. Seuss and The Symphony
Sunday, January 25 | Peristyle Theater
12:30–2:30 PM | Pre-Concert Activities in the TMA Green Room
3:00 PM | Concert Begins
Approximately 4:00 PM | Post-Concert Q&A
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About The Toledo Symphony Orchestra
The Toledo Symphony Orchestra is a community-supported organization of professional musicians and teachers who deliver quality performance and music education for all. Formed in 1943 as The Friends of Music and incorporated in 1951 as the Toledo Orchestra Association, Inc., the Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has grown from a core group of twenty-two part-time musicians to a professional orchestra that employs seventy professional full-time musicians.
The Toledo Symphony reaches more than 260,000 individuals annually through performances and education programs. The series concerts (Masterworks, Pops, Chamber, and Family Series) are the critical underpinning of the orchestra’s artistic mission and regularly draw people from 135 postal zip codes. Education programs, student performances, and community concerts are held in schools, neighborhood churches, performing arts centers, and community facilities throughout the region; many are offered at no charge or provided at a reduced fee to help expand participation.
About Live Arts Toledo
Live Arts Toledo, formerly the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), is the region’s hub for live performance, cultural education, and community connection. Bringing together the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Jazz Orchestra, Toledo Symphony School of Music, and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras, Live Arts Toledo presents more than 200 nights of programming each year, offering unforgettable experiences that stir the senses and strengthen the cultural fabric of Northwest Ohio.
Media Contact:
Ellie Lee, Director of Community Engagement, 419.418.0037, elee@liveartstoledo.com
