KinderKonzerts

Interactive concerts that share the fun & fundamentals of symphony music

KinderKonzerts bring the symphony to you! With quintets representing instrument families of the orchestra, these early-age performances use storytelling to introduce our youngest audiences to music and orchestral instruments. Designed with PreK-3rd grade students in mind but enjoyable for all ages, these narrated, interactive shows are 35-40 minutes in length and held in schools and communities throughout Maine and New Hampshire more than 60 times per season. If you are interested in hosting a KinderKonzert at your school or in your community please fill out our request form.

If you are interested in hosting a KinderKonzert at your school please fill out our request form here.

Registration for the 2025-2026 season is now open!

Don’t think a live KinderKonzert is a possibility for you this year? Email PSO Director of Learning and Community Impact McKenzie Blanchard for information on different resources that are available to you at mblanchard@portlandsymphony.org or call (207) 773-6128 x166.

2025-26 KinderKonzert programS

PSO Woodwind Quintet presents: Carnival of the Animals

Take a journey around the world with the PSO Woodwind Quintet as they play some of the most beloved music from Carnival of the Animals, by Camille Saint-Saëns. In this interactive KinderKonzert, students will meet the instruments of the woodwind family and meet animals from all seven continents. As the Woodwind Quintet plays the music, students will help the animals come to life through sound and movement.

PSO Brass Quintet presents: The Circus Ship

What happens when a ship full of animals and the PSO Brass Quintet crash lands on an island off the coast of Maine? Find out in this musical retelling of The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen! Students will get to know the instruments of the brass family and learn about how music from around the world has made its way to Maine, just like all the animals in Van Dusen’s story.

PSO String Quintet presents: Strings at Sea

Set sail with the PSO String Quintet as they take to the high seas for some water, waves, and wild adventures. Maine is a special place to live and visit, especially with the Atlantic Ocean right next door. In this seafaring adventure of a KinderKonzert, students will hear some musical favorites about the ocean and its many living wonders, including the most famous sea creature off the coast of Maine… the lobster!

PSO Percussion Trio presents: Lost In Space: A Percussion Adventure

Join Earth’s boldest space captain on a journey through the stars, encountering strange creatures and new worlds alongside the Space Travelling Percussionists of the PSO. Learn how our captain, along with some unusual friends, uses the power of music to navigate the cosmos and help express the big feelings that go along with a big adventure.