When we think of the symphony, we might automatically picture a formal concert hall — with an audience that silently listens. But, says Dr. Yi-Ping Chen, assistant professor of music and director of the Missouri State Symphony Orchestra, “Sitting down quietly is not the only way to enjoy music.”

When Chen joined Missouri State in 2024, she brought experience organizing sensory-friendly concerts. These events are designed for people with autism, who might find the silent stillness of a formal concert intimidating or unnatural.

“We wanted to create a concert environment where people feel comfortable stepping out if things become overwhelming,” Chen says. “And where the audience can respond to the music with sound or movement, just as they might in their own home.”

Serving the Community

To connect with the target audience, Chen reached out to partners at Burrell Behavioral Health and Missouri State’s Project ACCESS. “They really came through,” she says. In just three weeks, they all worked together to organize and promote Missouri State’s first sensory-friendly concert, which took place last fall. It was such a success that there was momentum to make it an annual event.

“No one limited me,” Chen says. “Everyone said, ‘Let’s try new things and grow together.'”

Missouri State’s second sensory-friendly concert was held on September 21, with Burrell returning as a sponsor. Project ACCESS and the Burrell Autism Center provided sensory toys. Audience members received glowsticks — ideal for conducting along with the music. And in a concert highlight, Dr. Paula Patterson, head of the music department, performed “Danny Boy” with the orchestra.

“She brought tears to everyone’s eyes,” Chen says.

An Experience for Everyone

Although Missouri State’s sensory-friendly concerts are created with the autism community in mind, Chen says they’re a great fit for all audiences. “There’s a perceived prestige around classical music, so the setting has become formalized,” she says. But audiences at classical concerts used to openly react to the music, and many famous composers were seeking engagement.

“Mozart wrote about how gratified he was when an audience erupted in applause during a performance,” Chen says.

Today, Missouri State’s musicians find it just as fulfilling. Within the sensory-friendly concert setting, they get to share the audience’s reactions. It makes for a more fluid, less pristine experience — one that draws out new elements of their performance.

“When we make space for everyone, we’re all encouraged to be freer,” Chen says.