Transported to a Whimsical World: Children with Vision Loss Experience A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Disney Concert Hall

Los Angeles, California – Partners for Pediatric Vision invited families to experience a kid-friendly take on one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays at Symphonies for Youth: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Walt Disney Concert Hall on November 9, 2024.

PPV Board Member Joanne Peterson, her daughter Amanda and twins Henry and Nora

Thanks to Partners for Pediatric Vision Board Member, Joanne Peterson who is also on the Boards of the Peninsula Committee for the LA Philharmonic and LA Philharmonic Affiliates, and Partners for Pediatric Vision Major Donor Cathi Lundy, who is on the Board of the Peninsula Committee for the LA Philharmonic, for providing free tickets for our families to attend this event.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a play written by William Shakespeare during the 1590's. It is set across two worlds – Athens and a mystical forest that lies beyond the city’s walls. The play explores themes of love, friendship, magic, and self-discovery. The performance featured the LA Philharmonic orchestra and actors in costume amongst the audience for an interactive and lively experience.

PPV Major Donor Cathi Lundy, her daughter Neva and PPV Founder Tori Schladen

"It's a show that's designed for children at their level and it's a multi-sensory experience, so it's auditory and visual. The kids can really get the mood and feelings through the music," said Cathi Lundy.

During the performance, the children in the audience were given shimmering stars to hold up when night fell upon the forest, cued by a giant moon that was presented on the stage floor.

Children who are part of the vision education and support services we provide have many types of vision loss with varying degrees of sight. Hearing the rich, enchanting sounds of the orchestra was a truly magical experience for our children and families, who will treasure the memories of their unforgettable day at the symphony.

Family events like these throughout the year give families of children with vision loss the opportunity to meet and connect with other families and new friends are made.

"We believe PPV is just a beautiful organization and we just wanted to introduce another aspect of beauty for them. The art, the music, the costumes we saw were beautiful and we loved bringing this group of people together for this event," said Joanne Peterson.

Akira Nakano, Founder, President, and Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Inception Orchestra and partner Phoebe

Akira Nakano, Founder of the Los Angeles Inception Orchestra and Program Officer at Fox Family Foundation, who is supporting PPV services with a multi-year grant, joined the event to meet our children and families. Children with an interest in music can explore the Ear Training and Music Theory Club, offered by the Los Angeles Inception Orchestra. This organization brings the symphony orchestra experience to students through original compositions and music theory. Inception is currently working on a collaboration with multiple organizations, including PPV, to bring music to ALL young musicians and composers. Stay tuned for more information.