Symphony’s Musical Circus

Children and classical music might not seem like an easy match, but put kids in a room full of musical instruments--and watch what happens. That’s the premise behind the Musical Circus, a program hosted by the Pasadena Symphony at 9 a.m. Saturday for children ages 4 to 10 and their parents.

The horns and percussion instruments tend to be the most popular “because they make the most noise,” says Susanne Glass, operations director. But a full range of instruments is on hand, from violin to the clarinet. “For a lot of these kids it’s the first experience touching an instrument,” she adds.

Following the hands-on portion of the program, children will hear from three brass players from the symphony, who will answer questions--such as how old they were when they started playing and how much they practice. They will each demonstrate selections from Mahler’s Seventh Symphony (the program for that night’s concert).

Following the Musical Circus, the Pasadena Symphony conducted by Jorge Mester will hold an open rehearsal, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The event takes place at the Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Call for reservations for groups of six or more. Free. (818) 793-7172.