This October, Symphony Storytime welcomes back a familiar face: author and former Orlando Philharmonic Director of Education, Dr. Leia Barrett. Her book The Goldilocks Quartet takes center stage on October 11 & 12, blending one of childhood’s most beloved fairy tales with the rich sounds of a string quartet.
The idea for The Goldilocks Quartet first came to Leia during her time with the Orlando Philharmonic. “It was Eric Jacobsen’s very first year as music director, and he wanted a Symphony Storytime specifically for string quartet,” she recalls. “Goldilocks has four characters—just like a quartet. The idea felt like a perfect match.”
After the initial performance, Leia tucked the project away for a while, until the COVID-19 pandemic gave her the space to revisit it. She began adding more musical elements, weaving in short excerpts from classical favorites. The book was published in 2021, complete with original illustrations by Candace Neal.
When writing, Leia made sure music wasn’t just in the background—it became part of the story. “We never know what will resonate with young kids. It’s nice to expose them early to composers we love,” she explains. From Mozart to Ravel, the book sprinkles in melodies that parents might recognize and children will enjoy.
“I always thought Ravel was perfect for Goldilocks sneaking through the house,” Leia says. “And if parents see their children perk up when they hear Mozart, that gives them the opportunity to share more of his music at home.”
Though Leia has narrated The Goldilocks Quartet in other cities—including Kansas City—this will be her first time performing it in Orlando. The Symphony Storytime Series holds a special place in her heart.
“When we first started Symphony Storytime back in 2015, we wanted something more intimate than the Young People’s Concerts,” she shares. “Homeschool families would say, ‘We love YPCs, but what else do you have for our little ones?’ So, I sat down with Mary Palmer and Kristy Doyle Turner and we created a series that was half performance and half activity—fun, engaging, and not overwhelming. For many children, it’s their very first experience with the symphony.”
For Leia, bringing The Goldilocks Quartet back to Orlando feels like a full-circle moment. “I’m so excited to reconnect with the Philharmonic and the musicians,” she says. “It feels like Goldilocks 2.0—fully developed and ready to share with the community where it all began.”
Meet Dr. Leia Barrett as she narrates The Goldilocks Quartet on October 11 and 12 at The Plaza Live. Tickets are $10 each and children ages 2 and under are free! Plus, enjoy lobby activities after each performance including an instrument petting zoo, silly photo stations, coloring stations, and more. Tickets are available at https://orlandophil.org/event/the-goldilocks-quartet/