The Phoenix Symphony invites families to explore music through imagination at Pictures at an Exhibition: Music at the Museum. This Family Series concert takes place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Madison Center for the Arts. Designed for listeners of all ages, the performance blends music, movement, and storytelling into an engaging afternoon.
A Walk Through a Musical Museum
At the center of the program is Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. The piece was inspired by an art show featuring works by Mussorgsky’s close friend, Viktor Hartmann. As he moved from artwork to artwork, Mussorgsky imagined what each picture might sound like. He then turned those ideas into music.
As a result, the composition feels like a guided walk through a gallery. Each movement introduces a new scene, mood, or character. The recurring Promenade theme represents the act of walking between pieces. Each return of the theme shifts slightly, reflecting changing thoughts and emotions.
From Piano to Full Orchestra
Mussorgsky first wrote the work for solo piano. Later, composer Maurice Ravel reimagined it for full orchestra. This orchestration adds depth, color, and contrast. Different instruments act like different shades in a painting.
Under the direction of Alex Amsel, the Phoenix Symphony highlights these contrasts. Listeners will hear the playful jumps of “The Gnome,” the quiet beauty of “The Old Castle,” and the light energy of “Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks.” Each movement tells its own story through sound.
A Family Experience Beyond the Stage
The afternoon begins before the concert even starts. At 1:00 PM, Ballet Etudes will present a dance demonstration in the lobby. Dancers will also perform in the aisles during the concert, adding movement to the music.
At the same time, Mesa Youth Creative Agency will host a progressive Community Art Project. Families can take part and create together before the performance.
An Invitation to Imagine
The concert begins at 2:00 PM and offers an accessible entry point into classical music. More importantly, it invites listeners to imagine, explore, and interpret what they hear.
Pictures at an Exhibition transforms music into a living gallery. Each note becomes an image. Each movement opens a new door. For families, it is an afternoon of creativity, curiosity, and shared discovery.
Visit the official website here to buy tickets.
