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Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.

The Mother-Son Date

canada (Feb.02.09)    


With Feb. 14th looming and planning a load of Valentine's themed content (check out our Love Guide today!) I guess I have had dates on the brain. After my Mom Date the other week, I decided to go on yet another substitute for a real romantic date this past weekend. The (somewhat creepy-sounding) Mother-Son Date.

My first born changed my life completely and for the better. Since the arrival of his amazing sister, we no longer have all the time in the world together. So it's only natural that I should want to carve out some alone time with him. (To be fair, I am envisioning a future of mother-daughter shopping outings as well.)

When I was invited to check out the TSO's Young People's Concert series, I immediately envisioned a lovely outing with Nate. A four-year-old at the symphony is a daunting thought (the TSO recommends ages 5-12), but fortunately my son is rather calm and can sit quietly and still provided he has a) something small to play with and b) access to his thumb for sucking. (The thumb-sucking issue is another post entirely...)

"Nate, we have to dress a bit nicer for the symphony," I shouted down when he came in from his skating lesson. "Do I have to dwess han-some Mum?" Swoon. We got dolled up, drove across town and headed into Roy Thomspon Hall with moments to spare. (Being on time is not one of my strong suits.)

The show was perfectly structured for kids: About an hour or so, featuring six pieces of music with the charming conductor educating in between. Our show's theme was percussion -- what kid doesn't love drums and maracas? The music was varied and lively, and this mom learned a thing or two during the program. The looks on the blissful parents' faces were worth the price of admission ($18-28) alone!

Most of the kids were really well behaved (save for one hilarious quiet moment where a child shouted out, "Mom, can you take me home now?). I was worried when they announced that Ravel's "Bolero" -- a 12-minute song -- would be the last song, because many of the kids were squirming in their seats at that point. But the world's best-known song is so awesome, adding in one instrument at a time, building powerfully, that the TSO adding a dozen snare drummers coming through the audience was merely icing on the classical cake. (And Evelyn Glennie, the rivetting FEMALE percussionist, was the cherry on top.)

Moment of Pride: The show started with Aram Khatchaturian's "Sabre Dance," which, as a Canadian of Armenian decent, made me tear up to be able to share with my son.
Moment of Panic: When Lego Batman's helmet went flying down the stadium seating before the show was out. (I've seen them sell on eBay for five bucks! Something that barely fits on your pinky!) Luckily, we spotted it and it was returned to us by some lovely little girls.
Moment of Pure Love: Seeing the look on my son's face as he clapped exhuberantly for the performers.
Slight Negative: The music was a touch too loud for my little man's ears. But really -- how can you tone down the symphony?
Added Bonus: You can listen to the show you saw afterwards via the TSO podcast.

Overall, it was a great introduction to a piece of culture that my kid (or his mom) doesn't get to experience on a regular basis. I heartily recommend it and would definitely go again. And my date? Well, aside from wanting to be referred to as "Master Wayne" the entire time, he was positively a gentleman.


Tags:  nadine silverthorne, tso concerts for young people, classical music for kids, kid-friendly outings, toronto symphony orchestra, concerts for kids



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