It may be summertime, but SFCM's Bowes Center was filled with young people June 23 as Classical California KDFC presented its annual Classical Kids Discovery Day. 

The free event is a one-of-a-kind convergence of musical discovery and interactive exploration for young people, welcoming families to immerse themselves in the wonders of classical music with some of the Bay Area’s most celebrated musicians and KDFC radio’s beloved on-air personalities.

Kids Discovery Day has been celebrated several times in the past but this was the first time it was held inside SFCM's Bowes Center, which also hosts KDFC's studios on its second floor. "Classical California loves being in the Bowes Center and developing partnerships that expand our impact in our community," said President of Classical California KDFC Bill Lueth. "The San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a fantastic partner to us and it was natural to finally bring our annual Classical Kids Discovery Day to our home in SF." 

The family-friendly day invited music fans to check out activities in the Bowes Center, including captivating performances in its sprawling concert halls, as well as an instrument “petting zoo," an opera vocal range testing exercise, and fun educational experiences like “Anatomy of a Violin 101.”

"We invited local arts partners to engage with children and adults with fun musical activities, from concerts to composing to sampling Glissando—the new Classical California KDFC stream for families we just launched—to take people on fun, musical adventures every 20 minutes," Lueth said. 

This was not the first time SFCM opened its doors to the local community. In 2022, hundreds of music aficionados attended the Bowes Center Open House for a day of free live concerts, demonstrations, and masterclasses.

Classical California has been bringing music to the local airwaves for 75 years, and has been part of the Bowes Center since its inauguration in 2021, a partnership sure to continue as both organizations work together to secure the next generation of inspiring musicians. "KDFC and SFCM are proud to work together to build a bright future for classical music," Lueth added. 

Learn more about SFCM's Bowes Center.