«As the Senior Manager for Concerts & Lectures at the Met I am extremely proud of our ability to present amazing programs each year. While many of our readers are familiar with the Museum's program of scholarly lectures, some of you may not realize that the Met also has a long tradition of presenting musical events, including special programs just for families.» In fact, our Family Concerts series concludes this weekend with the highly popular Dan Zanes and Friends (Saturday, May 8, 2:30 p.m.). Earlier family concerts this year included New York Chamber Soloists, who performed Francis Poulenc's Babar, and the Blue Hill Troupe, who performed lively excerpts from Gilbert and Sullivan. We have also presented the Salzburg Marionette Theatre; Richard Stoltzman with Young Audiences; The Children’s Orchestra; Paul Peabody's Old Fashioned Marionette Theater with Philharmonia Virtuosi, and many other programs for families.
When I was given the opportunity to program the Family Concerts series, I immediately thought of Dan Zanes, because my family and I have enjoyed so many of his performances around New York. Actually, Dan Zanes lives in my neighborhood (Cobble Hill, Brooklyn), and he used to lead an annual Halloween parade for the neighborhood kids. I knew he would be perfect for our series because his music is warm, fun, intelligent, and draws from many cultures in an authentic way. And parents enjoy his songs as much as their children do! In many ways he personifies what I think a concert for families should be: not only entertaining, but also displaying a great sense of community that keeps the audience on its feet, clapping and singing along. I'm happy to say that we have engaged Dan Zanes again for our 2011 Family Concerts series, which we are expanding to six events, including a theater group, music, dance, and the visual arts.
Lisa Musco Doyle is the senior manager for Concerts & Lectures.
Upcoming Event
Family Concert: Dan Zanes and Friends
Saturday, May 8, 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 (includes Museum admission)
The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium
Related Link
Dan Zanes website