Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announces 2023-24 Teddy Bear Concert Series for young children
INDIANAPOLIS—Children and parents alike will be thrilled with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s beloved Teddy Bear Concert Series. The 2023-24 schedule features 12 opportunities for children ages 3 to 7 to learn about orchestral instruments through story, movement, and live music.
Featuring five different original stories written by ISO violinist Victoria Kintner Griswold, the popular series will be held at libraries throughout central Indiana from September 2023 to July 2024. The series is made possible with generous support from the Indianapolis Colts as the presenting sponsor. All preschoolers, kindergartners, and stuffed friends are welcome!
“It’s a joy to see the curiosity and delight from young children as they are introduced to live music and instruments from the orchestra during Teddy Bear performances. They are our next generation of music lovers and musicians,” said Kintner.
Each event features an interactive musical performance designed to entertain, educate, and inspire young minds. All children will have the opportunity to try real violins and interact with ISO musicians at the end of each 30-minute program. Teddy Bear Concert Series books with artwork by Sharon Vargo may be purchased online. (No purchase is necessary to attend.)
All Teddy Bear performances are free and open to the public. Seats can fill up quickly, so consider registering in advance on our website or contact individual libraries to confirm reservations and seating procedures.
Teddy Bear Concert Series 2023-2024 schedule:
| Saturday, September 23, 2023 10 a.m. |
Carmel Clay Library | The Runaway Strings |
| Saturday, October 14 11 a.m. |
Indianapolis Public Library – West Perry branch | The Big Note |
| Monday, October 23 11 a.m. |
Avon – Washington Township Public Library | The Giant’s Violin |
| Saturday, November 11 11 a.m. |
Indianapolis Public Library – Michigan Road branch | The Runaway Strings |
| Tuesday, January 9 11 a.m. |
Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library – Zionsville Branch | The Big Note |
| *Sunday, January 21, 2024 3 p.m. |
Central Library
|
Monkey’s Jungle Jam |
| Sunday, February 25 1 p.m. |
Arts for Lawrence | The Garden Symphony |
| Saturday, March 9
11 a.m. |
Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library – Whitestown Branch
(6310 Albert S. White Dr. Whitestown, IN 46075) |
The Runaway Strings
|
| *Sunday, April 21 3 p.m. |
Central Library | The Garden Symphony |
| Saturday, May 18 11 a.m. |
Johnson Country Public Library – White River Branch | The Big Note
|
| Saturday, June 8 11 a.m. |
Indianapolis Public Library – Haughville Branch | The Giant’s Violin
|
| *Sunday, July 21 3 p.m. |
Central Library
|
The Big Note |
*These performances are part of the Central Public Library’s Family Concert Series.
About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the IU Health Plans Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, Kroger Symphony on the Prairie, and the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America. For more information, visit IndianapolisSymphony.org.