Keep the child's interest alive by reading the program with her, providing background facts about composers and instruments. Raise the expectations as the child matures. A child may color during a concert at three or four, but by five or six might be encouraged to focus on the music. By ten or twelve a child should be able not only to sit through an adult concert but to appreciate, with some adult direction, at least the high points. Discussion before and after a cultural event is important.
Preparation is key.
If going to the Nutcracker ballet, read the story and listen to the music in advance. You might even listen to other works by Tchaikovsky. We owe it to an author to come to know the work as the writer intended it to be experienced. Most importantly, allow your child to form her own impressions of the characters and story from the author's own words. Stand up against the trend towards instant gratification - share the rewards of reading by conversing with your child about her reading.