Afshan Lakha co-owns and serves as principle of the Lakha Investment Company in Bellevue, Washington. Outside of her professional duties, Afshan Lakha is a patron of the arts who enjoys numerous cultural activities in the greater Seattle area, including the Seattle Symphony.In addition to performing regular concerts, the Seattle Symphony operates a wealth of educational programs for students, families, and young performers. One of these programs, the Sensory Friendly Concerts series, is designed specifically for 5-to-8-year-old children with autism spectrum disorders or sensory processing disorders.Led by certified music therapists, these special concerts feature low volumes, comfortable lighting, and a wide range of seating options meant to accommodate a variety of sensory sensitivities. Besides being able to enjoy small chamber pieces and sing-a-longs in a comfortable, friendly environment, audience members get a chance to meet the musicians and learn about different instruments. During the 2017 season, the Sensory Friendly Concerts series will emphasize a different social skill at each performance.
A co-founder and principal of Lakha Investments Company, Afshan Lakha maintains active involvement with the arts in Seattle. Toward that end, Afshan Lakha supports the Seattle Symphony, which has undertaken a number of programs in recent years to encourage parents to introduce their children to the symphony.The Tiny Tots Series, for example, connects children up to age 5 to an interactive program featuring songs, games, and stories. Families can bring their children early for fun activities in the lobby that start 30 minutes prior to each performance. Designed for children 12 and under, the Classical King FM 98.1 Family Concert Series introduces young minds to some of the most popular classical pieces. Programming starts an hour before each performance with instrument exploration and crafts in the main lobby. The organization also offers Sensory Friendly Concerts for children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities. The concerts feature chamber pieces and participatory songs. Children are encouraged to meet and greet the performers before or after each performance, which is hosted by a music therapist.Participation in these family events comes with free admission to the Soundbridge Seattle Symphony Music Discovery Center.
