The family concert is a terrific way to introduce young people to the thrill of symphonic music. Hopefully, they will enjoy the experience and want to learn more and hear more.

I chose Beethoven because it is very recognizable. Most people know those famous first four notes of this symphony.

Heidi's thrilling narration really brings the story to life for all ages.

After every concert, I greet young people in the lobbies. And I see a huge surge of young people playing music.

when you come to a show do you feel the same thing that i feel when i’m on that stage? i mean, i know you’re not standing on the stage… but surely you can feel the same energy that i’m feeling, to some degree. it’s so much more powerful than all the trivial nonsense that people chalk our band up to be. it means something great and it feels empowering. it’s the grace of knowing that we can all totally suck and be a little messed up and then stand in a room with thousands of other people who are exactly the same way, no matter how dressed up they look on the outside, and we can be broken all the same.

What's happened - in our country, anyhow - is that the young people have shied away from the formality of the concert hall, that tie - and - tails philharmonic image.