New York Philharmonic's VERY YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONCERTS Runs 1/23-1/24

The 2010-11 New York Philharmonic Very Young People's Concerts, designed for children ages 3 to 6, will begin on Sunday, January 23, 2011, at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m., and Monday, January 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street. The first program, titled "Allegro and Adagio," will explore how tempo makes music fun, featuring selections by Debussy as part of the season's theme, Debussy and Friends. Philharmonic Associate Principal Violist Rebecca Young is the host; Dorian Rence, also a violist with the Philharmonic, is the writer and narrator of stories about Philippe the Penguin, a character created for the series; and Marion Schoevaert is the illustrator.

Now in their sixth season, the Very Young People's Concerts are designed by Philharmonic musicians working with faculty from Teachers College of Columbia University to introduce young children to classical music through games, active listening, and hands-on music-making. Before each concert, musicians are stationed in the Merkin Concert Hall lobby to greet families and initiate musical activities on the day's theme. After each performance, children have an opportunity to try orchestral instruments themselves.

Single tickets are $20 and $25. Limited availability. For information call (212) 875-5656, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Or go online to nyphil.org/vypc. Tickets may also be available at the Avery Fisher Hall Box Office, Lincoln Center, Broadway at 65th Street. The Box Office opens at 10:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and at noon on Sunday.