COLUMBUS, Ohio — ProMusica Columbus Chamber Orchestra is known for its outstanding classical music performances, but some of the performances its members are most passionate about are for the youngest audiences.
ProMusica Columbus partners with "SproutFive," an early education nonprofit in central Ohio, to bring musicians and instruments into the classroom and expose preschoolers to classical music.
"This program is especially important to use because we are really working with and giving opportunities for infants and toddlers to be exposed to music," said Janet Chen, CEO of ProMusica Columbus Chamber Orchestra. "So, this program, at its core, is all about early childhood development and how music plays such an important part."
Through the program, the children have the opportunity to listen to live musicians, touch instruments and learn about music, movement and rhythm.
"Music can play such an integral part in childhood development," said Chen. "I think that there are so many basics about music that are building blocks: reading and learning and math and literature and, you know, touch and feel and sensory - music plays such a socio-emotional element in terms of the development of these kids.
ProMusica Columbus Chamber Orchestra returns to the stage twice in January.
"Naked Classics" on Jan. 26 is one of the orchestra's most popular programs where the group will take famous pieces of music and break them down, explaining the intricacies of the composition and offering audiences the stories behind the music.
Then, on Jan. 27 and 28, the orchestra will be joined by a rising star, 16-year-old violinist Fiona Khuong-Huu, for two shows entitled "Virtuosic Violin."
For more information on these shows as well as ProMusica's collaboration with SproutFive, just visit their website: https://promusicacolumbus.org/.