Everyone is invited Tues., Aug. 3, to this free concert by the Santa Rosa Symphony with MC Marcy Smothers and conductor Richard Loheyde, presented by Sonoma Paradiso at 2 p.m. in Chris Beck Arena. It’s perfect for long-time lovers of classical music as well as youngsters being introduced for the first time to this genre of music and the instruments that are played.

Sonoma Paradiso, a local nonprofit founded by Jess Jackson, Barbara and Peggy Furth, has distributed more than $6 million to children’s charities. The last five years Sonoma Paradiso has provided this free children’s concert, and this year they are tripling their audience capacity by holding the concert at the Sonoma County Fair, where more than 4,000 fairgoers can enjoy our fabulous Santa Rosa Symphony.

VIP seats at the concert will be occupied by children from local organizations. Many of these guests have created art in conjunction with the concert, which you can see displayed in Finley Hall. In advance of the concert, children are given instructional materials about the instruments used in an orchestra and the many different styles of classical music. Many times they create art while listening to the music. The program also includes a musical instrument "petting zoo", where children can touch and try the instruments.

Click here for more information about Sonoma Paradiso and its many contributions to our community.

Click here for more information about the Santa Rosa Symphony.