22/23 Community Concerts & Events
Every season, the Kalamazoo Symphony is proud to present free concerts throughout Southwest Michigan. From libraries to concert halls, the music is as varied as the venues. With concerts perfect for the entire family, we can't wait to see you out and about our community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Artist in Residence Recital - Dalton Recital Hall at Western Michigan University
March 21, 2023 | 7:30 p.m. | Free Admission
The Kalamazoo Symphony's Artists in Residence get a chance to showcase their incredible talents in a program created for you, by them!
Admission is free and tickets are not required. 1300 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Musical Storybooks: Because - Downtown Branch of Kalamazoo Public Libraries
April 11, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Because by Mo Willems
The story of a girl who heard a Symphony Orchestra and was inspired to become a composer.
What does it take to become a composer? Lots of hard work, scores of behind- the-scenes people, and a little bit (or maybe a lot of luck). Music from traditional composers like Beethoven along with contemporary female composers Florence Price and Grace Bacewicz follows the journey of our heroine as she discovers her love for music and develops into a master musician, composer, and conductor.
Admission is free, but registration is required. 315 S Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Musical Storybooks: Ferdinand the Bull - Oshtemo Branch of Kalamazoo Public Libraries
April 20, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf
A classic tale paired with the famous opera score from Carmen by Hector Berlioz, Ferdinand tells the story of a young bull who finds himself on the opposite side of his bullish collective.
Will he give in to peer pressure and fight like the other bulls or will he embrace his true nature and keep smelling the flowers? The music moves from dramatic to sweet with plenty of foot- tapping opportunities and melodies you will be singing on the way home. The story encourages everyone to be themselves and let their light shine.
Admission is free, but registration is required. 7265 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Musical Storybooks: Ferdinand the Bull - Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
May 2, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. | Check Back for Admission Details
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf
A classic tale paired with the famous opera score from Carmen by Hector Berlioz, Ferdinand tells the story of a young bull who finds himself on the opposite side of his bullish collective.
Will he give in to peer pressure and fight like the other bulls or will he embrace his true nature and keep smelling the flowers? The music moves from dramatic to sweet with plenty of foot- tapping opportunities and melodies you will be singing on the way home. The story encourages everyone to be themselves and let their light shine.
Stay tuned for admission details. 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Community Concerts at First Presbyterian Church
May 9, 2023 | 7:00 p.m. | Free Admission
Every season, Kalamazoo Symphony chamber ensembles present a three concert series in partnership with First Presbyterian Church! This concert features works by Amy Beach and Johannes Brahms.
This concert is sponsored by WMUK.
Admission is free and tickets are not required. 321 W South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Musical Storybooks: Ferdinand the Bull - Washington Square Branch of Kalamazoo Public Libraries
May 11, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf
A classic tale paired with the famous opera score from Carmen by Hector Berlioz, Ferdinand tells the story of a young bull who finds himself on the opposite side of his bullish collective.
Will he give in to peer pressure and fight like the other bulls or will he embrace his true nature and keep smelling the flowers? The music moves from dramatic to sweet with plenty of foot- tapping opportunities and melodies you will be singing on the way home. The story encourages everyone to be themselves and let their light shine.
Admission is free, but registration is required. 1244 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Musical Storybooks: Because - Alma Powell of Kalamazoo Public Libraries
May 12, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Because by Mo Willems
The story of a girl who heard a Symphony Orchestra and was inspired to become a composer.
What does it take to become a composer? Lots of hard work, scores of behind- the-scenes people, and a little bit (or maybe a lot of luck). Music from traditional composers like Beethoven along with contemporary female composers Florence Price and Grace Bacewicz follows the journey of our heroine as she discovers her love for music and develops into a master musician, composer, and conductor.
Admission is free, but registration is required. 1000 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Musical Storybooks: Ferdinand the Bull - Carnegie Center for the Arts (Three Rivers)
May 13, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf
A classic tale paired with the famous opera score from Carmen by Hector Berlioz, Ferdinand tells the story of a young bull who finds himself on the opposite side of his bullish collective.
Will he give in to peer pressure and fight like the other bulls or will he embrace his true nature and keep smelling the flowers? The music moves from dramatic to sweet with plenty of foot- tapping opportunities and melodies you will be singing on the way home. The story encourages everyone to be themselves and let their light shine.
Admission is free, and registration is not required. 107 N Main St, Three Rivers, MI 49093
Kalamazoo Kids in Tune Finale Concert - Chenery Auditorium
May 23, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Join us to celebrate the hard work of our Kids in Tune students!
Working hand in hand with Kalamazoo Pulbic Schools, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra's Kalamazoo Kids in Tune program is an innovative after-school orchestra and youth development program at KPS Woods Lake Elementary and Milwood Magnet School. Students from early elementary through high school study instruments and chamber music, and participate in daily lessons and orchestra rehearsals.
Admission is free and tickets are not required. 714 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Musical Storybooks: Ferdinand the Bull - Eastwood Branch of Kalamazoo Public Libraries
May 25, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf
A classic tale paired with the famous opera score from Carmen by Hector Berlioz, Ferdinand tells the story of a young bull who finds himself on the opposite side of his bullish collective.
Will he give in to peer pressure and fight like the other bulls or will he embrace his true nature and keep smelling the flowers? The music moves from dramatic to sweet with plenty of foot- tapping opportunities and melodies you will be singing on the way home. The story encourages everyone to be themselves and let their light shine.
Admission is free, but registration is required. 1112 Gayle Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
PAST EVENTS
PAST EVENT | Musical Storybooks: Giraffes Can't Dance - Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
September 29, 2022 | 10 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, takes audiences deeper into family-friendly books while musicians of the KSO paint a musical soundscape. Musical Storybooks bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
This event is open to Air Zoo members only. Find more information here. 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
PAST EVENT | Artist in Residence Recital - Dalton Recital Hall at Western Michigan University
October 25, 2022 | 7:30 p.m. | Free Admission
The Kalamazoo Symphony's Artists in Residence get a chance to showcase their incredible talents in a program created for you, by them!
Each piece highlights an artist throughout four sonatas and concertos.
Admission is free and tickets are not required. 1300 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
PAST EVENT | Musical Storybooks: Giraffes Can't Dance - Oshtemo Branch of Kalamazoo Public Libraries
November 3, 2022 | 9:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, takes audiences deeper into family-friendly books while musicians of the KSO paint a musical soundscape. Musical Storybooks bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
Admission is free, but registration is required. 7265 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
PAST EVENT | Musical Storybooks: Giraffes Can't Dance - Alma Powell Branch of Kalamazoo Public Libraries
November 4, 2022 | 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, takes audiences deeper into family-friendly books while musicians of the KSO paint a musical soundscape. Musical Storybooks bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
Admission is free, but registration is required. 1000 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
PAST EVENT | Musical Storybooks: Giraffes Can't Dance - Central Branch of Kalamazoo Public Libraries
November 8, 2022 | 9:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, takes audiences deeper into family-friendly books while musicians of the KSO paint a musical soundscape. Musical Storybooks bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
Admission is free, but registration is required. 315 S Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
PAST EVENT | Musical Storybooks: Giraffes Can't Dance - Washington Square Branch of Kalamazoo Public Libraries
November 9, 2022 | 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission
One of the KSO’s most popular education programs, Musical Storybooks, takes audiences deeper into family-friendly books while musicians of the KSO paint a musical soundscape. Musical Storybooks bring stories to life by immersing them in music. These programs are a fantastic way to engage children of all ages in literacy, storytelling, and music-making.
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
Admission is free, but registration is required. 1244 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
PASET EVENT | Community Concerts at First Presbyterian Church
November 15, 2022 | 7:00 p.m. | Free Admission
Every season, Kalamazoo Symphony chamber ensembles present a three-concert series in partnership with First Presbyterian Church!
This concert features works by Jessie Montgomery and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
This concert is sponsored by WMUK.
Admission is free and tickets are not required. 321 W South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
PAST EVENT | Kalamazoo Kids in Tune December Concert - Kasdorf Auditorium at Loy Norrix High School
December 14, 2022 | 6 p.m. | Free Admission
Join us to celebrate the hard work of our Kids in Tune students!
Working hand in hand with Kalamazoo Pulbic Schools, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra's Kalamazoo Kids in Tune program is an innovative after-school orchestra and youth development program at KPS Woods Lake Elementary and Milwood Magnet School. Students from early elementary through high school study instruments and chamber music, and participate in daily lessons and orchestra rehearsals.
Admission is free and tickets are not required. 606 E Kilgore Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
PAST EVENT | Community Concerts at First Presbyterian Church
January 17, 2023 | 7:00 p.m. | Free Admission
Every season, Kalamazoo Symphony chamber ensembles present a three concert series in partnership with First Presbyterian Church!
Concert Program | Danzas de Panama, William Grant Still | Quiet Night, Jamie Wehr | String Quartet No. 2 in A major, Felix Mendelssohn
This concert is sponsored by WMUK.
Admission is free and tickets are not required. 321 W South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
PAST EVENT | Orchestra Rouh Concert - Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition (KNAC)
January 18, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. | Free Admission
Join us to celebrate the hard work of our Orchestra Rouh students!
Orchestra Rouh is a free, year-around music program serving children of Syrian and other refugee families and recent immigrants newly resettled in Kalamazoo.
Rouh means both “hope” and “spirit” in Arabic, and the program is designed to nurture the emotional wellbeing of children through music instruction, led by teachers who are bilingual in English and Arabic, and including music from Arabic traditions.
Admission is free and tickets are not required. 315 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (Inside the First Baptist Church)
Sponsors
The 22/23 Symphony season is presented by Zhang Financial and sponsored by Stryker and Greenleaf Trust.
