The Young People’s Concerts and KinderKonzerts provide children in the Champaign-Urbana community a live symphonic musical experience. Nearly 6,000 area students attend these concerts every year, and the popular concert series draws students from a 50-mile radius around Champaign-Urbana. The teachers also receive an Educator’s Guide to help enhance their students’ concert experience and musical education.

The Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra began the KinderKonzerts in 1964. Early on, the concerts were in Foellinger Auditorium, but their popularity necessitated a move first to the Assembly Hall and then to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, where concerts have been held since 1975. The programs are chosen by the conductor to portray the most relevant compositions for children.

The CUSO recognizes the importance of instilling musical values in young children, and with these concerts, we are able to do just that! 

 

"We had a wonderful day. My hearing impaired student felt very special and loved the concert with someone signing to her. She told her chaperone "she signs like me!" something she had not experienced much before except at school. I always love hearing the children’s responses after our trip, but I especially know how great the concerts are when I hear such enthusiastic and complimentary responses repeatedly from the adults in my group."

"I heard so much excitement from the children both before and after the performances. Many children were really connecting your music with music in their own lives, were excited to talk about the instruments they play and those they saw and heard on stage. . . that's what it's all about."

Participating schools included: