Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Introducing children to live performance is a wonderful way to spark curiosity, and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra provides an ideal gateway. Based in the capital at Federation Concert Hall, 1 Davey Street in Hobart, this world-class ensemble is Australia’s most broadcast and recorded orchestra. Beyond their technical recording facilities, the musicians are deeply committed to bringing music directly to local communities, ensuring live classical performances are accessible, warm, and highly engaging for audiences of all generations.
The orchestra provides comprehensive support for families visiting their venues, offering straightforward guidance on parking, accessibility, and what to expect on the day. For parents wondering about classical etiquette, the message is reassuring: yes, you absolutely should bring the kids, dress comfortably, and feel free to clap whenever the music moves you. This relaxed approach makes it incredibly simple for parents and grandparents to unwind and share a meaningful cultural outing alongside younger listeners.
Concerts Tasmania
TSO
The live schedule across Tasmania is extensive, stretching far beyond the traditional concert hall to regional communities, primary schools, and historic estates. Throughout the season, the TSO performs across a variety of locations including Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport, Longford, Latrobe, and Sheffield. To make these outings more accessible, ticketing options include student rates for $35 AUD, select adult tickets for $50 AUD and under, and flexible “Create Your Own” multi-ticket packages that save families up to 15% on total costs.
For parents looking to sample the orchestra without a late evening, the popular 6pm Series delivers a condensed, single hour of classical music, often featuring promotional 2-for-1 tickets. This early timeframe leaves plenty of room for a family dinner afterwards.
If getting along to a live venue in person is not an option, the TSO on Demand digital streaming platform brings the entire experience into your living room. For $10 AUD a month, families can access high-quality livestreams and edited archive performances on their television, tablet, or phone. This digital service includes multiple camera angles and close-up views, allowing children to watch the physical mechanics of the violin bows, woodwinds, and percussion up close.
TSO Concerts
The curated line-up of TSO concerts features specific events tailored beautifully for developing minds. The Family Concert Series is designed for children aged 2 to 5, all the way up to 12-years-old, offering informal, immersive story-driven performances. Young listeners can experience classics like Peter and the Wolf & other stories at Launceston’s Albert Hall or the Burnie Arts Centre. In Hobart, children can attend targeted events like the energetic Superheroes! programme, which includes a dedicated “Relaxed Concert” version at the TSO Studio, or the playful Halloween Spooktacular.
For school-aged children, the orchestra runs a dedicated TSO for Schools programme. These interactive 45-to-50-minute sessions—such as the Sound Mind, Sound Body tour—travel directly to regional school halls across the state, utilizing the power of orchestral storytelling to introduce core instruments and musical concepts.
Adults and older teenagers can enjoy the full-body power of the main subscription series, which features major masterpieces like Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto or Vaughan Williams’ Tuba Concerto. Every single live performance is backed by a distinct “Feel More Guarantee” policy. If a family member genuinely feels absolutely no emotion or connection during a concert, the orchestra provides a complete money-back refund on the ticket. It is a bold testament to how welcoming, impactful, and memorable a live family visit to the orchestra can be.
