Music benefits everyone — that’s the essential concept behind the philosophy of Xenia Concerts Inc. The organization works directly with the disability and neurodiverse communities to put together performing arts experiences that are appropriate for families with young children, among others who often don’t feel welcome at a typical classical concert setting.
On May 7, 2023, they’ll be presenting two hour-long concerts at Toronto’s Meridian Hall featuring the Thalea String Quartet. One is designed for families, neurodiverse audience members, and those requiring other disability accommodations. The second is designed for people living with dementia and their families.
Xenia Concerts Inc. was formed in 2014 by members of the Cecilia String Quartet. Accessibility and inclusion are their core founding principles. The May concert represents a return to in-person programming after the long pandemic.
Rory McLeod, Executive Director of Xenia Concerts, commented in a statement. “We are excited to welcome the dementia community back to in-person events at Meridian Hall this spring! Our partnership with Alzheimer Society of Toronto provides opportunities for joy, healing, and togetherness, and those feelings are most vibrant when shared in the same space.”
The Concerts
With programming designed to appeal to specific audiences, there will be two concerts on May 7.
Found Sounds
A family-friendly, neurodiverse- & disability-friendly concert at 11 a.m.
- Tickets can be purchased for a nominal RSVP charge [HERE]. When you arrive at the concert, your ticket price will be refunded (less the service charge). If you choose to donate to Xenia Concerts, select the “Donation” option when buying the ticket, and it will go directly to the organization.
Each of the pieces in the Found Sounds program begins with inspiration that the composer took from their surroundings, including natural sounds, radio static, and much in between. Presented in partnership with TO Live and the Women’s Musical Club of Toronto.
- J.S. Bach – 3 Chorales [5’]
- Dvorák – String Quartet in F major “American”: iii. Molto Vivace [7’]
- The Beatles (arr. Alex Vittal) – Abbey Road Suite: ii. Sun King [3’]
- Gabriella Smith – Carrot Revolution [10’]
Relaxed stretch break w/ musical improvisation- [2’]
- Seven Miniatures [12’]
- Daniel Bernard Roumain – Klap Ur Handz (excerpt) [3’]
Traditions
A dementia-friendly concert for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s and their caregivers at 2 p.m.
- Register [HERE].
The Traditions program delves into a range of musical traditions, including tango, baroque chorales, and rock’n’roll. Presented in partnership with Alzheimer Society of Toronto and TO Live.
- J.S. Bach – 3 Chorales [5’]
- Antonin Dvorák – String Quartet in F major “American” – i. Allegro ma non troppo [7’]
- Antonin Dvorák – String Quartet in F major “American” – ii. Lento [7’]
- Erwin Schulhoff – Five Pieces for String Quartet [13’]
- The Beatles (arr. Alex Vittal) – Abbey Road Suite (excerpt) [6’]
- Daniel Bernard Roumain – Klap Ur Handz (excerpt) [3’]
Audience members can move around and otherwise react as they like, in contrast with the usual concert atmosphere of silence and stillness.
Specific accommodations include:
- Venue guides;
- Sensory & visual aids;
- Accessible e-programs & large-print programs;
- Wheelchair accessible venue;
- Accessible gender-neutral bathrooms;
- An area where audience members can go to take a break from the performance, separate from the concert hall itself.
Therapy dogs will also be present for both concerts.
The Thalea String Quartet perform Haydn’s String Quartet Op. 76 No. 3 III. Menuetto. Allegro
The Thalea String Quartet
The Thalea String Quartet is the Doctoral Fellowship String Quartet at the University of Maryland. As an ensemble, they’re committed to using chamber music as a way to build community and connections, celebrating a diverse range of musical traditions. They have premiered many works by new composers, and are winners of the 2021 Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, among others.
Along with a busy performance schedule that has taken them across Europe, China, and North America, they are committed to education, and have pioneered virtual programming, as well as holding masterclasses and lectures at the Berkelee College of Music, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, and many others.
More information about both concerts is available [HERE].
This piece was amended April 20, 2023 to include program information.
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