Symphony Storytime Summer 2026

featuring Musicians of the Wichita Symphony

Now celebrating its third summer, Symphony Storytime brings music, storytelling, and hands-on learning together for young audiences across south-central Kansas.

This summer, Wichita Symphony musicians will bring the picture book Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow to life through live performance and interactive musical demonstrations. As the story unfolds, audiences will meet five members of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra who will introduce their instruments, share how music is created, and perform fun animal-themed selections inspired by the book.

The program concludes with a collaborative musical finale, inviting audience members to join the musicians in making music together.

Each participant will receive a free coloring and activity book created in partnership with local artist Lindsey Kernodle, featuring Wichita Symphony musicians, instruments of the orchestra, and Century II Concert Hall.

Symphony Storytime is approximately 45 minutes in length and is recommended for ages 4–8, though music lovers of all ages are welcome to attend.