Boston Pops hosts first-ever sensory-friendly concert

The sweet-sounding tones coming from Symphony Hall Saturday morning were shared in a more relaxed environment. It's the same beautiful holiday music put on by the Pops but with modifications designed for children and adults with autism or sensory sensitivity.

"We are always wanting to give as many experiences to our kids, so this accessibility is just amazing," Robin Tarjan told WFXT. "I'm actually thrilled."

Chris and Robin Tarjan brought their 10-year-old son Christopher to the show. They say they didn't think this would be an opportunity he would ever have.

“To be able to come to Symphony Hall and be able to run around, he was doing laps in the other room, and to have that kind of an opportunity to be able to actually go inside and sit down and hear the music, we’ve been to the symphony and it’s fantastic,” Chris Tarjan said.

The program of the day was designed to be interactive as well, letting kids play with instruments before the performance, then giving them room to get up and dance during the show and sing along.

More than a dozen volunteers from Juvo Behavioral Health were on site to assist ushers and the Pops staff.

“The joy that these families are brought by just being accepted, we aren’t asking that much just letting them be who they are, how they are, without judgment, and that happens here at the Pops,” said Dena Shade-Monuteaux, executive director of Juvo Behavioral Health.

The seating was designed to give space to families. Kids were given noise-canceling headphones if needed. Each song ended with cheers and applause.

“We are amongst our community, so all the parents kind of know what’s going on. You don’t have to worry about eyes being on you or judgment, it’s really fantastic,” Robin Tarjan said.

The day was a special experience for many during such a joyous time of year.

“These families deal with so much, the point and stare, the whisper and judgment everywhere they go, dinner, movie theater, even doctor’s appointments,” Shade-Monuteaux said. “So to come here somewhere this fancy and special and be told, ‘just be you,’ was very much an acceptance.”

The next sensory show at the Boston Pops will take place in February.