Festival Launches Family Series

This past weekend, the Bowdoin International Music Festival partnered with the Curtis Memorial Library to launch the first in a new installment of family-friendly concerts. Dozens of children and adults gathered at the library to hear works by Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, and Ibert. Between pieces, children in the audience responded to prompts such as “what animal did that piece sound like?” Of the many entertaining responses, one child demonstrated her Maine roots by exclaiming “like a moose arguing with a turtle!”

Remaining family concerts will take place Saturdays at 10 AM at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art (July 15), Studzinski Recital Hall (July 22), and the Portland Children’s Museum and Theatre (July 29). Each concert is unique, individually curated to span various musical periods and instruments, introducing children to the rich tapestry of classical compositions.

Classical music offers a multitude of benefits for children’s development. Studies show that exposure to classical music enhances cognitive abilities, including improved spatial-temporal skills, mathematical reasoning, and memory. Moreover, classical music is a powerful medium for emotional development. Through its expressive nature, classical compositions evoke a wide range of emotions, allowing children to explore and understand their own feelings and the feelings of others.

For more information about the Family Concert Series and the Bowdoin International Music Festival, please visit bowdoinfestival.org.