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'Wow child' is special guest of orchestra that inspired him

BOSTON (AP) - A boy who charmed the world by exclaiming "Wow!" at the end of a classical music performance was a special guest of the orchestra that inspired his delight.

The Boston Globe reports 9-year-old Ronan Mattin, of New Hampshire, and his grandparents attended a dress rehearsal at Boston's Symphony Hall on Thursday as the Handel & Haydn Society prepared for its new season starting Friday.

The venerable orchestra launched a search for the "Wow Child" after the May concert using audio of the moment captured by WCRB-FM.

Handel & Haydn President David Snead has said it was one of the most wonderful moments he has ever had in a concert hall.

Ronan's grandmother says her grandson listens to classical music at home and will eventually begin playing instruments.

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.bostonglobe.com

Stephen Mattin and his grandson, Ronan, 9, attend the dress rehearsal at Boston's Symphony Hall Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019 as the Handel & Haydn Society prepared for its new season in Boston. The 9-year old is something of a celebrity at Symphony Hall, where he is known colloquially as the 'œwow child.' In the spring his grandfather brought him to a Handel and Haydn Society concert, after the orchestra finished playing a piece by Mozart, the crowd went silent, and Ronan loudly exclaimed, 'œWow,' delighting the conductor, the musicians, the concert attendees, and people all over the world. (Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via AP) The Associated Press
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