The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with several community organizations, presented a sensory-friendly concert on Nov. 2, 2019, in Newport News, Va. The performance was designed to welcome a full range of audience expression, and noise-reducing headphones, stress balls and designated quiet spaces were available to all in attendance. (Kaitlin McKeown/The Virginian-Pilot)
Tristan Talley, 5, reacts to the music while sitting with his mother, Brenna Talley, during a sensory-friendly concert by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, Va.Seven-year-old Jackson Howard, with help from his mother, Renee Howard, and Rachel Keene, tests out the strings of an upright bass prior to a sensory-friendly concert by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, Va. Jackson, who has Down syndrome, attended the performance with his parents and sisters.
Renee Howard described the event as an important opportunity to make music more accessible. “We’re always striving for events with more inclusion, but particularly cultural events where you’re expected to sit quietly,” she said. “This was really a dream come true that the symphony decided to pursue this — we’re becoming more accepting of people who might enjoy experiences differently.” Makenzie Miga, 5, listens to a sensory-friendly concert by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, Va. Linda Dyer, director of development for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, helps Vivian Howard, 9, play a violin prior to a a sensory-friendly concert on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, Va.
