The Healing Power of Music in Santa Rosa

With so many thousands of people affected by the recent fires in the North Bay (including KDFC’s own Robin Pressman), the task of rebuilding, or even supporting the community seems enormous. But so many people are finding different ways to help, and that includes the Santa Rosa Symphony. Their upcoming family concert on October 29, “Creature Features,” will be free for all children under 13 and for all families who have lost their homes to the fires. The Symphony also announced that they have dedicated this coming season of Classical Series concerts to first responders and families who have been left homeless, and are offering free tickets to Saturday or Monday performances to those affected.

Sunday’s concert is at 3pm in the Weill Concert Hall of the Green Center at Sonoma State, and features music with animal themes, from Beethoven’s Creatures of Prometheus to John Williams’ Jurassic Park. There will also be a free photo booth and an instrument “petting zoo,” so children (and adults) can try out musical instruments with members of the Symphony.

Alan Silow, the President and CEO of the Symphony, says, “Though all of us are struggling to recover from this trauma that has left no one in the county untouched, the evidence of heroism, dedication and indomitable human spirit is most heartening. All of us at the Symphony are eternally grateful for the firefighters, who sprang into action from near and far, struggling to save our homes, our landmarks, businesses, parks and open spaces. And to the first responders who made tremendous sacrifices to save lives and aid victims. The Symphony thanks them and extends to them and to those who lost their homes the healing gift of music.”

Even though the concerts are free, families will still need tickets; you can get them by calling the box office two weeks prior to the event (except for the October 29 concert) at 707-546-8742, and mentioning this offer. You can find the complete schedule for the Symphony’s 90th season here.