The festive season is starting a little earlier this year thanks to Bach Before Bedtime. This initiative, founded by Allegra Chamber Music in 2008, introduces young ones to chamber music and performing arts through presentations of famous musical pieces.

The shows and concerts encourage audience participation by inviting kids to dance and sing along. At the end of the performance, kids get to check out the instruments (sometimes even try them out) and talk to the musicians.

There will be several shows presented for the 2022-2023 season. The Nutcracker at the Gesù Amphitheatre on November 27 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Other productions will be Jan. 29, March 26 and May 7 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Gesù Amphitheatre.

On March 1 and 5, the shows will take place at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Edifice Wilder – Espace Danse.

Concerts include dancers, a string quartet, bilingual narration as well as a choir. Each show is bilingual and lasts around 45 minutes and includes a 15-minute meet & greet afterwards for the children. Narrator-musicians help guide the audience through the story.

Founder Dorothy Fieldman Fraiberg says she was passionate about introducing young children to chamber music in a relaxed, enjoyable and interactive setting. “The goal is to foster the next generation of culturally engaged audiences and musicians by attracting families from all backgrounds, allowing entire families to enjoy exceptional classical music,” she said.

Tickets for Bach Before Bedtime sell out quickly. General admission tickets can be purchased for $15.

For more information, click here.