Camellia Symphony Orchestra

Fine long-​standing orchestra in the Sacramento area. While it has gone through many changes (what orchestra hasn’t?) it still provides great programming for children, families, classical music lovers, and also those who enjoy hearing off-​the-​beaten track jewels — music too seldom performed.

This local orchestra offers a wonderful free family concert four times a year in different venues throughout the greater Sacramento area.
One hour before the concert begins they also have an «instrument petting zoo,» which is a great way to introduce your child to the diverse world of musical instruments. I loved how my kids were able to try the flute, violin, harp, cello, drums, trombone, etc. (For those of you getting queasy at the thought of all those germs, the instruments are sanitized after each use.)
To further entertain the kids, a puppet show accompanies the concert. I admit I was impressed at the number of energetic three and four year olds who were able to make it through a whole hour of classical music.
The concerts are held on Sunday afternoons, which is really nice because it allows us harried parents to have a little break — after a week of running to and from school, sports practices and games, and a million other activities.
Go – it’s free! A little more Yo Yo Ma and less «Yo Mama» makes the world a better place.