After many months of music performances being canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, the Beijing Music Festival (BMF) returns in full force and combines forces with musicians in Wuhan to showcase 240 online and offline musical performances from Oct 10 – 20. Since 1998, the BMF has presented the best musicians, composers, orchestras, and singers to become one of the premier cultural events in China.

Their outreach programs shine through the many musical offerings in the festival, and this year the BMFl highlights two special events for and by children.

Many happy childhood memories around the world have been created thanks to hours spent enjoying the love-hate relationship of this beloved cat and mouse duo and their ensuing shenanigans. With or without a snack, Tom and Jerry was always a treat for children the world over, and continues to be a guilty pleasure for adults to this day. But it seems to have gone out of vogue due to ‘new-fangled’ cartoon and animation franchises which have gained massive popularity more recently.

Tom and Jerry is however enjoying a massive comeback, giving those of us who are kids at heart and those of us who have kids a chance to experience the magic come alive, thanks to the accompaniment of a live orchestra. The concert will feature arrangements from Mozart’s Sonata No.6 in D major, and the Piano Sonata No.8 by Beethoven. And among those poised to deliver these stirring performances will be pianist Zhou Xixi. Is there anything quite as iconic as the orchestral accompaniment to the on-screen chases of the rumbustious pair? This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fun of a cartoon show with the absolute indulgence of a live orchestra. It’s truly a treat for the entire family.

Family Concert: Tom and Jerry, Sat Nov 2

All ages. RMB160, RMB260, RMB280 (160 x 2 tickets), RMB360, RMB380 (260 x 2 tickets), RMB580(360 x 2 tickets). 2.30pm. The Forbidden City Concert Hall, inside Zhongshan Park, 4 Zhonghua Road, Xicheng. www.247tickets.com/t/tom-jerry-beijing. 中华路4号中山公园内.

Photo: momokacma via Flickr

The 22nd Beijing International Music Festival got off to an unusual start at the weekend, with an eight-hour concert at the Great Wall, where the audience were encouraged to doze off!

The concert featured a single work, Sleep, written by British composer Max Richter to accompany a good night’s rest. The piece, described as “calm, slow, and mellow,” is scored for piano, organ, strings, electronics, and a female singer. “I think of it as a piece of protest music,” Richter said in an interview with sxsw.com. “It’s protest music against this sort of very super industrialized, intense, mechanized way of living right now.”

Tickets for the opening concert were near-impossible to get hold of, but the festival proper starts on Wednesday October 9 and runs through to October 28. There are plenty of treats in store for music lovers, with big names like Vladimir Ashkenazy, Charles Dutoit, and Renee Fleming appearing. Particularly intriguing is Eight by Michel van der Aa. Described as a “mixed reality project”, it’s experienced individually by each audience member, walking through an installation with a VR headset.

Most of the performances are serious and suitable only for older children, but on the weekend of October 19-20 kids can get their first taste of opera at a shopping mall! The Tales of Hoffman features three fairy stories by the German writer, and is being performed at Indigo, with shows at 11am and 3pm on Saturday 19 and 11am on Sunday 20.

For more information, visit the festival’s website: www.bmf.org.cn/

Photo: chinadaily.com.cn

With this series we want to help you plan the perfect weekend out with the family through highlighting great activities going on in different neighborhoods around the city. We hope this helps you to make the absolute best of your weekend leisure time! All of the venues listed on either Saturday and Sunday are in the same area, which will allow you to easily get between places conveniently on foot or with public transportation.

Saturday in Sanlitun

Sanlitun (best pronounced with a proper Beijing “rrr” at the end) is in some ways the expat epicenter of the city. But it’s better known for its bars and malls than its family-friendly experiences. However, here’s a day out that’ll put the family fun into Sanlitun.

Play at Little Player

The legendary Fundazzle, grotty but beloved play center near the Worker’s Stadium, is now just an unhygienic memory. But a new breed of play centers is springing up to replace it, places where they actually clean the balls in the ball pit. Little Player (小玩家儿童主题乐园, xiǎowánjiā értóngzhǔtílèyuán) is one such place. Nestling at the top of Shimao Department Store, this “children’s paradise” promises hours of fun, without added germs.

Age 3-10, height 75cm-140cm. RMB 150 per session. 10am-9pm. 4th floor, Shimao Department Store, 13 Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District. (6466 8980) 工体北路13号世茂广场工三4层南侧(便宜坊旁).

Lunch and a Movie at Taikooli

This fashion-oriented mall doesn’t have much for kids, apart from a fountain to dance in. But it does have a huge range of restaurants, with something to please even the fussiest of eaters. Healthy food at Wagas? Burgers at Blue Frog? Japanese at Hatsune? Tacos at Cantina Agave? Pizza at Pizza Marzano? A whole world of flavors awaits you. And afterwards, you can take in a movie at Megabox while letting it digest.

All ages. Check restaurant listings for times and prices. Tai Koo Li Mall. 19 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District. (6417 6110) www.taikoolisanlitun.com/en. 朝阳区三里屯北路19号三里屯太古里南区

A Soccer Match at the Workers’ Stadium

There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere at a Beijing Guo’an match. Even if you think you don’t like the Beautiful Game, the chants, flags, and spectacle will enthrall you. This weekend is particularly special, as arch rivals Shanghai Shenua are coming to town. Buying tickets from official sources is nearly impossible (because China), but don’t worry, you can just buy from a scalper outside the ground like everyone else does. Enjoy the walk to the ground, with the crowds, the merchandise stalls, and the excitement, but get to your seats in good time, because seating allocations are viewed as mere guidelines. Jia you Guo’an!

This post has been amended to correct an error: Beijing Guo’an played Shanghai Shenhua on Friday June 14, not Saturday June 15. Apologies for any confusion caused.

Check here for Beijing Guo’an match dates and times: www.espn.com/soccer/team/fixtures/_/id/2052

All ages. Workers’ Stadium, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6501 6655 ext 5033) 朝阳区工体北路

Sunday in Hegezhuang

Beijing’s north, while often praised for its cleaner air and more abundant greenery than downtown, can sometimes appear a little lacking in culture. To counter that reputation, here’s an elegant Sunday schedule, particularly suitable for sophisticated Dads this Fathers’ Day. (The distances involved are perhaps a little too far to cover on foot, but are perfect for a family bike ride… or Didi, if you want to take advantage of the free-flow wine at Orchard!)

Brunch at the Orchard

The Orchard is an oasis in Hegezhuang, a haven of fabulous food at reasonable prices and beautiful gardens in which to relax. Its Sunday brunch is justly celebrated, with a wide range of meats, veg, cheese, nibbles, and of course all the dessert you can eat. Free-flow wine, beer, and fizz are available for the adults. Make sure to book, as it’s understandably popular.

All ages. Various prices. 11am-3pm. From Jingshun Lu, turn left (west) at Shunbai Lu Intersection, (turn at the driveway just west of the Hegezhuang Village Sign) Chaoyang District (6433 6270) 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村(过何各庄村路标往南转

Afternoon at Red Brick Art Museum

Red Brick Art Museum is one of Beijing’s best galleries for contemporary art. Away from the dazzle and commercialism of 798, it presents the work of world-renowned artists in a cool, contemplative setting. Until June 26, you can see an exhibition of winners and nominees of the Marcel Duchamp Prize, France’s foremost award for experimental art. Contemporary art is often an easier sell to kids than traditional oil paintings, as it can be surprising, immersive, even interactive. But if your little ones aren’t inspired, the maze-like grounds of Red Brick are the perfect place for hide-and-seek or tag.

All ages. RMB 130, RMB 110 for students and seniors, free under 1.2m. 10am-6pm (last entry 5.30pm). Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Chaoyang District. (8457 6669). www.redbrickartmuseum.com/en/top/index.html. 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村，邮编 100103

A Concert at La Plantation

La Plantation is a hidden gem, a state-of-the-art, purpose-built concert hall for chamber music. This Sunday (June 16) it’s hosting a piano recital by rising star Jin Wenbin, but check their website for the details of their other jazz and classical performances. You’ll need to have kids old enough to sit quietly throughout, but it’s a lreaxing, elevating way to round off your weekend.

All ages. RMB 180 advance, RMB 200 on the door (RMB 80/ RMB 100 students). Art base 1, D area, Shunbai road, Hegezhuang village, Chaoyang district . (5166 1201, WeChat: chineseliving) 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村一号地国际艺术园D区

Photos: Uni You, thebeijinger.com

Some of Beijing’s most talented young musicians will come together this Friday, to make marvelous music and raise money for a good cause.

The concert will take place on Friday December 7 at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), and will also feature performers from the International School of Beijing (ISB), Keystone Academy, and Dulwich College Beijing (DCB).

“Friday’s concert will be a typically eclectic affair featuring chamber ensembles, choirs, duets, solos, and dance,” said Mark Armstrong, Head of Department for Music and Art at WAB. “It is a chance to share their passions for a good cause, raising both awareness and money for the Roundabout Charity Group.”

ISB’s Mozart Ensemble will play chamber music ranging from Mozart to contemporary pieces such as Rob Grice’s thrilling Battle of the Ancient Dragons. Keystone also offer classic chamber works, including Pachelbel’s famous Canon, and an atmospheric piece for choir and guzheng. DCB contribute two songs for choir and the piano duet Fossils from The Carnival of the Animals, before WAB round off the evening with a performance from their High School Dance program.

The concert is free to attend, but there will be a collection at the end for Roundabout, and vendors will be in attendance, with proceeds going to the charity. If you can’t make this opportunity to see some of the city’s best young talent, then don’t despair; the next concert in the series will take place at DCB on May 2.

Roundabout Charity Concert, December 7

All ages. Free. 6-7pm. Founders’ Theatre, Western Academy of Beijing, 10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District. (5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu) www.wab.edu.朝阳区来广营东路10号.

Photo: courtesy of WAB

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.

Unique 
Peter Pan’s Adventure Island, Dec 17 to Dec 31 
All ages. Chidren’s drama Peter Pan’s Adventure Island has premiered in Beijing in an immersive theatrical format. The play, with art direction by renowned Broadway producer Randy Weiner, is the latest work by a team of Broadway veterans. RMB 580 (1 person), RMB 880 (2 people), RMB 1280 (3 people). 10.30am-3pm. Xie Dao Dui Cun Resort (蟹岛度假村).

New Years Eve Dinner at Bistrot B, Dec 31 
All ages. Kick things up a notch with dinner at Rosewood Beijing’s Bistrot B, where they will be serving a five-course fine dining menu, including Alaskan king crab salad, duo of Australian wagyu beef, and Bûche de Noël. RMB 920, RMB 1,380 (with wine pairing). 6.30-10.30pm. Bistrot B.

Immortal Valley Loop Hike, Dec 31 
Adults. Join the Beijing Hikers on their New Years Eve hike through the Immortal Valley. This hike is intense so may not be for the average sunny day hiker. RMB 380 (non-members), RMB 340 (members). 8.30am-6pm. The Great Wall (Immortal Valley Loop).

Sunset Hike Over Huanghuacheng, Dec 31
Adults. The Bejing Hikers will also be hosting a sunset hike over Huanghuacheng. This hike is a bit of a challenge, so perfect for those looking for a little bit more intensity in their hike. RMB 420 (non-members), RMB 380 (members). 11am-4pm. The Great Wall (Huanghuacheng).

Sound of Veinna: Beijing New Year Concert 2017, Dec 31 
All ages. In 1992, New Year concerts began in China. Since then, people in Beijing are used to celebrating New Year in festive orchestral atmosphere with Strauss music. Listen to the exciting sounds of Austrian Strauss Legacy Philharmonic Orchestra as they play some of their most beautiful melodies. Prices range from RMB 120 to RMB1680. 7.30pm. The Great Hall of the People.

Gubeikou Great Wall Loop, Jan 1
Ages 12+. The Bejing Hikers will also be going on a hike to Gubeikou on the Great Wall. Bring your hiking shoes and gear for a wonderful afternoon with great scenery and even better company. RMB 450 (RMB 405 for members, RMB 200 for under 12’s). 9.30am-4pm. The Great Wall.

New Years Day Brunch at Bistrot B, January 1 
All ages. Kick things up a notch with dinner at Rosewood Beijing’s Bistrot B, where they will be serving a five-course fine dining menu, including Alaskan king crab salad, duo of Australian wagyu beef, and Bûche de Noël. RMB 920, RMB 1,380 (with wine pairing). 6.30-10.30pm. Bistrot B.

Best of Next Week

Safari Song Time, Jan 6
Ages 3-18 months. All babies – from the quietest to the most vocal – love singing and rhymes! Every Friday a group will host a Safari Song Time at the Bookworm to take your little one on a fun safari as he/she learns songs and rhymes from around the world, that you can also practice at home. RMB 60. 10.30-11.30am. The Bookworm.

Legally Blonde: The Musical, Jan 12 and Jan 14
All ages. This January, the Yew Chung International School of Beijing will wow audiences with a performance of the critically acclaimed show: “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” Featuring students from across their Secondary School, this fun and upbeat production will have you clapping and singing along! Free. 7.30pm (Thursday, Jan 12), 2pm and 7.30pm (Saturday, Jan 14). YCIS Beijing Auditorium.

Chinese New Year Workshops: Surrealism, Jan 23 to Jan 30
Ages 5-12. Through exploring surrealist techniques such as collages, exquisite corpses, 3D works, etching, automatic writing and drawing students will discover new artists such as Magritte, Dali,  De Chirico, Escher, Ernst and their impressive and imaginative art works. RMB 1,800 (RMB 1,500 for both Atelier’s students and who registered before the 10th of January). 10am-Noon (5-8 years old), 1:30-4:00pm (8-12 years old). Atelier Art School.

Chinese New Year Workshops: Modern Revolution, Jan 30 to Feb 3
Ages 5 – 12. Students will learn about the Modern Revolution, a period during the 19th century when many artists started to make art about people, places, or ideas that interested them, and of which they had direct experience. Challenging the notion that art must realistically depict the world, some artists experimented with the expressive use of color, non-traditional materials, and new techniques and mediums. RMB 1,800 (RMB 1,500 for both Atelier’s students and who registered before the 15th of January). Atelier Art School.

There are some wonderful concerts and musical events coming up in Shunyi, from spring concerts to baroque and a dinner and show. As summer approaches, many families will also be looking at their camp options – perfect for keeping the kids entertained while continuing with their development and learning. There are camps for all ages across Shunyi, whether you need something for just a week or a full summer schedule.

Spring Concert
If you’re interested in a faith-based school, consider Hope International School (HIS). HIS offers an enriched academic program designed to inspire students and enable them to grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. On Thursday, May 15, the school will be hosting a spring concert starring the youth orchestra. There will also be the opportunity to speak with staff members, get a feel for the school, and learn more about its facilities. The concert starts at 7pm in the gym. Seating is first come, first served. For more info, call 8416 7718.

Concerts at DCB

On Tuesday, May 20 at 7pm, Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) will present Changing Winds, a showcase for their woodwind and brass players via jazz, pop, and selections fromLes Miserables. DCB students will be joined in the Wodehouse Theatre by St. Paul American School (SPAS) students under the direction of Ben Wareham. The concert will feature the Dulwich Jazz Combo, Big Band, and Wind Orchestra, as well as SPAS’ Beginning and Symphonic Bands.

Tickets cost RMB 30 and can be purchased online. For more info, email laurie.bonner@dulwich-beijing.cn.

Also at DCB, Korean-American countertenor Justin Kim will give a Baroque recital on Friday, May 23 at 7pm at the Edward Alleyn Theatre. A graduate of Northwestern University and the Royal Academy of Music, Kim has worked with artists like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dennis O’Neill and Masaaki Suzuki. He has won awards ranging from the Les Auzuriales Prize in France to the Special Engagement Prize at the fourth International Singing Competition for Baroque Opera in Austria. He performed his recital debut at the Hollywell Music Room at Oxford and his operatic roles have included Menelao in Elena by Cavalli and Idamante in Mozart’s Idomeneo in Germany.

Tickets cost RMB 60 for adults and RMB 40 for students and can be purchased online. For more info, email mark.stingle@dulwich-beijing.cn.

Dinner and Show at Green T. House Living
Green T. House Living is hosting a dinner and show on Thursday, May 22 with live music performances alongside a four-course contemporary Chinese dinner. The evening’s entertainment includes the Beijing Mozart Quartet, Modern Dance, and Live VDO Art. The evening starts at 6.30pm, with reservations required. 488 RMB/person. Call 6434 2519 or 136 0113 7132, or email reservations@green-t-house.com to book your places.

Shunyi Summer Camps

Eduwings Summer Camps
Eduwings has two camps this summer. The first theme is Water and Green Nature, featuring environmental activities, water games, and weekly field trips to green spots in Beijing. The second theme is Nature and Art Crafts, with daily creative and PE activities.

• Ages: 2-8
• Dates: June 30-July 18 (Water and Green Nature), July 21-August 15 (Nature and Arts and Crafts)
• Cost: RMB 1,600/week
• Contact: 6450 9712 or eduwings@126.com

Positive Foundations School Summer Camp
Weekly themed fun at this summer camp, including Under the Sea, Safari Adventure and Space is the Place. Daily activities include: water play, arts & crafts, music, science and English language instruction. Meals include two daily snacks and lunch.

• Dates: June 16-July 11
• Time: 9am-3.30pm
• Cost: RMB 6,000
• Contact: pfsschool@126.com

AEA Beijing Summer Camp at BSB Shunyi
The AEA Summer Camp provides daily youth leadership programs led by American camp counselors. Daily activities will be divided into 45-60-minute blocks and include outdoor sports, swimming, rock climbing and interest clubs.

• Ages: 4-12
• Dates: July 7-August 15
• Cost: RMB 3,380
• Contact: 8531 3285 or summer@aeabeijing.org

Space Engineering Summer Camp at BIBA
Beijing International Bilingual Academy’s space camp is suitable for students with strong math and science skills who are looking to explore space engineering; building, programming and testing in a fun environment. Students will learn about the moon and build prototype robots, culminating in a showcase for family and friends.

• Ages: Grades 6 to 9
• Dates: June 30-July 18
• Cost: RMB 14,000
• Email: fyves@bibachina.org or rihle@bibachina.org

King’s College London Summer School at Harrow Beijing
Co-organized by Harrow International School Beijing and King’s College London, this pre-university summer school is designed to help students develop a strong spirit of enquiry, build on their knowledge of a subject, and prepare them for university-level study. The program is academically intensive and offers courses in maths, physics and business and management. Application deadline is June 20, 2014.

• Ages: 16-18 (Year 11-13)
• Dates: August 4-15
• Cost: RMB 16,500
• Contact: 6444 8900 ext 6104 or Email: kingscomestoharrow@kcl.ac.uk

Photo by Jim, The Photographer (Flickr)

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.