Sensory Concerts are a series of high-quality classical music concerts for families with sensory/special needs, commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
People with sensory needs are easily overwhelmed by crowds, noise, light, smell, and touch. Young children are especially sensitive to their surroundings and tend to react in certain ways (eg. moving, making noise) to cope. That’s why families with children tend to shy away from traditional concerts in fear of judgement and disrupting others.
Sensory Concerts differs from traditional concert expectations with small numbers, various seating options, retreat space, and on-site therapist support, providing a more relaxed atmosphere, giving the audience opportunities to self-regulate.
All members of the community of all ages and all walks of life benefit from Sensory Concerts. Though the concerts are designed with sensory needs in mind, we've had a diverse range of audiences of various neurodivergent, intellectual and physical abilities. Feedback includes "I have not heard my client speak before - but in this concert, after each piece, I heard him say ‘thank you’" "Loved that the kids had cushions/mats and were free to get up if needed. It was a relaxing environment for all. The music was beautiful, thrilled to see such talent."
"The whole thing was amazing! They were so understanding. The music was brilliant and I loved how she explained everything".
Sensory Concerts bring people together who may feel socially isolated due to their challenges, to have equal access to quality music without fear of judgement.
Beethoven Allegro from Piano trio no 1 in E-flat major, op 1 no 1
Grieg Morning and In The Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite
Grieg Arietta
Bizet ‘Habanera’ from Carmen
Saint-Saëns The Swan from Carnival of the Animals
Kreisler Schön Rosmarin
Haydn Rondo from Piano Trio no 39 in G major, Hob. XV 'Gypsy'