The Missoula Symphony invites audiences of all ages to experience the magic of music and storytelling of How to Train Your Dragon Orchestra family concert on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Dennison Theatre. This thrilling Family Concert event, led by Music Director Julia Tai, will feature an action-packed performance alongside actors from Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT). This beloved story comes to life in a dynamic, family-friendly celebration of imagination, courage, and connection.
“Family concerts are about sparking curiosity and wonder,” said Julia Tai, Music Director of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra. “How to Train Your Dragon Orchestra gives us the perfect opportunity to welcome children and families into the symphony through a story of division and unity, while showing them how powerful and exciting live orchestral music can be.”
Inspired by hundreds of curious questions from Missoula grade schoolers, the Missoula Symphony presents a family-friendly concert that brings musical dragons to life, featuring the soaring score of How to Train Your Dragon alongside other dragon-inspired orchestral classics. This special performance explores how each section of the orchestra, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, acts as its own powerful family of dragons, working together to create something truly epic. Blending symphonic music with live theatrical elements, the concert features an exciting collaboration with Missoula Children’s Theatre, bringing local MCT and community actors together with narration by Rosie Ayers to join the orchestra on stage for an immersive, imaginative experience that delights young listeners and longtime fans alike.
“The Missoula Children’s Theatre is honored to partner with the Missoula Symphony and commend their long-standing commitment to introducing music and the arts to the youth of our community,” said Joseph Martinez, Artistic Director of the Missoula Children’s Theatre.
Theater Director, Barbara Berg shared: “In this saga of dragons, traditional roles of actors and symphony musicians become blurred – Musicians become actors and actors become musicians! All who share the stage evolve to recognize that there is strength in their diversity when they commit to working together.”
For the Little Dragon riders, be sure to stop by our FREE Library Event on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Take an immersive, hands-on scavenger hunt through the Missoula Public Library. Learn more about music, instruments, and the Missoula Symphony! End the hunt with a sweet treat!
How To Train Your Dragon Orchestra is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors:
- Family Concert Sponsor: Blackfoot Communications
- Youth Concert Sponsor: Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
FAMILY CONCERT EVENT DETAILS
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON ORCHESTRA
Saturday, January 31, 2026 – 3:00 p.m.
Dennison Theatre, University of Montana Campus
Tickets are $10.
Dennison Theatre, University of Montana Campus
Tickets are $10.
Tickets are available now at www.missoulasymphony.org or by calling (406) 721-3194.
THE WEEK OF EVENTS
LITTLE DRAGONS’ INSTRUMENT HUNT
Sunday, January 25, 2026 – 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Missoula Public Library
Sunday, January 25, 2026 – 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Missoula Public Library
The Missoula Symphony invites families to a hands-on, FREE interactive musical adventure. With Symphony musicians as their guides, families will grab an interactive map and take a magical journey, while learning more about music, musical instruments, and all that the Missoula Public Library offers. Join Music Director Julia Tai as she molds the musical dragons into a harmonious orchestra at the library!
