A Symphony of Sound and Imagination: Families Experience “Melody & Pitch” with the LA Philharmonic

Los Angeles, California – Partners for Pediatric Vision families were treated to a vibrant morning of music and imagination at the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Symphonies for Youth: Melody & Pitch – An Introduction to the Woodwind Family on November 8, 2025, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Pictured here left to right: Tori Schladen (PPV Founder & Director of Special Projects), Diane Christian(Executive Director), Joanne Peterson (Board President) and Barbra Zukerman (Board Member)

Thanks to PPV Board Member Joanne Peterson, who also serves on the Boards of the Peninsula Committee for the LA Philharmonic and LA Philharmonic Affiliates, and Major Donor Cathi Lundy, also a Peninsula Committee Board Member, PPV families received complimentary tickets to attend this enriching performance.

Before the concert began, families arrived early to enjoy themed pre-concert activities designed to engage children in the joy of music. PPV's Wesley and his brother made Kinetic paper art projects with pieces that move. Gabby and her family took part in the sound and movement experience in the beautiful outside ampitheatre at Disney Hall.

Under the baton of Kinga Głowacka, and with Kristi Brown-Montesano as host, the orchestra guided young audiences through a musical journey featuring selections by Bernstein, Dvořák, Gershwin, Still, Stravinsky, and Terry Riley. From the famously sassy clarinet opening of Rhapsody in Blue to the bubbly flutes and oboes of Dvořák’s New World Symphony, and the bluesy tones of Still’s Afro-American Symphony. Our children were mesmerized as the music painted a picture to imagine and feel. Wesley and Santi used telescopes and binoculars to see the orchestra and instruments. Gabby's family used video on the iPhone to zoom in on the musicians.

As the final notes of Petrushka filled the hall, the smiles and laughter of PPV families showed the joy of yet another unforgettable day with the LA Philharmonic.

Children supported by PPV’s vision education and family services experience a wide range of vision challenges from high myopia to legal blindness. Many of the children who participated play instruments themselves from the cello to piano, keyboard and recorder. The layered harmonies of the woodwinds and the warm acoustics of the Disney Concert Hall created a setting where they could feel, hear and be inspired by the music.

Family outings like these allow children and parents to connect, share joy, and build community in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Partners for Pediatric Vision extends heartfelt thanks to Joanne Peterson, Cathi Lundy, the LA Philharmonic Committees and our generous supporters for making this extraordinary experience possible for our families.