The program concept is simple: parents or grandparents bring children to Ars Viva concerts. They sit together in the audience for the first work on the program. Then Maestro Heatherington excuses the children to go to separate rooms in the North Shore Center with professional educators from the Music Institute of Chicago. There they learn more about the music they have heard, the composer or the historical and cultural setting of the music. Instructors use visual arts, drama, storytelling, and movement to stimulate the children’s own imagination and creativity. Adult companions enjoy the remainder of the concert and pick their children up when the concert is over.

Children in the Prelude program (ages 4– 7) experience the first piece on the concert before heading to Music for Life classrooms, where they experience exciting programming designed to engage, enrich, and educate them about the music they have just experienced!

The Encore program (ages 8–11) is geared toward the developing listener. Children in this group stay for the first half of the concert, and join MIC teachers for activities geared toward these maturing listeners.

The concert and education activities are FREE for the children.  Adults must purchase tickets at the regular price to enroll their children.  Click here for complete registration details.

2013–2014 Season concerts,
including Music for Life: