“Music education is an essential part of the Allentown Symphony’s mission and programs like the Youth and Family Concerts allow us to deliver on that mission,” says Al Jacobsen, Allentown Symphony Executive Director.

“This year, Diane [Wittry] has put together a fantastic program of familiar music featuring multiple dance groups from the Lehigh Valley performing alongside the Orchestra,” adds Jacobsen.

The Allentown Symphony Orchestra presents its “Family Concert: Music in Motion - Let’s Dance,” 2 p.m. Feb. 24, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown.

Children may participate in “Orchestra Lab,” 12:30 p.m. Feb. 24, Rodale Community Room, third floor, Miller Symphony Hall, for a hands-on introduction to music instruments.

“This program will reach several thousand youth during Feb. 21 and 22 offerings to local schools, culminating in our Feb. 24 ‘Family Concert’ open to the public at Miller Symphony Hall. This is a great hour-long performance with fun activities prior to the concert,” says Jacobsen.

“Family Concerts are a fun way to introduce children to various musical instruments, music terminology, styles of music and related dances, as well as some hands-on opportunities,” says Diane Wittry, Allentown Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor.

During the concert, narrator and choreographer Sarah Carlson will introduce each composition, explaining country of origin, characteristics which are most prominent in the selections and music terminology highlighting components of the music.

Carlson danced professionally for 10 years in New York City. She is Assistant Professor of Dance at Cedar Crest College.

The concert opens with Antonín Dvorák’s “Slavonic Dance No. 8.” Dvorák composed a series of 16 Slavonic dances, which exemplify the style and spirit of traditional Slavic folk dances.

Each subsequent work in the concert progresses through countries and includes Lehigh Valley dance companies.

Selections include: George Bizet’s “Habanera” from “Carmen” with dancers from the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley; Johann and Josef Strauss’s “Pizzicato Polka,” with Accent School of Dance; “Waltz of the Flowers” from “Nutcracker” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, with Repertory Dance Theatre of the Lehigh Valley; Florence Price’s “Juba Dance” from “Symphony No. 1” with dancers from Cedar Crest College; “Huapango” by composer Jose Pablo Moncayo with Ely Dance Studio; and Aaron Copland’s “Hoedown” from “Rodeo” with Cedar Crest College dancers.

The finale showcases music and dance of the Swing and Big Band Era with Louis Prima and Benny Goodman’s 1936 tune, “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing),” with dancers from the ensembles.

“Family Concert: Music in Motion - Let’s Dance,” Allentown Symphony Orchestra, 2 p.m. Feb. 24; 12:30 p.m., Orchestra Lab. Participation in the Lab is free with no tickets or reservations required. Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown. Concert tickets: box office; 610-432-6715; https://www.millersymphonyhall.org

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnon-line.com