Ahmed Z, an 18-year-old student at Pakistani Embassy College Beijing has a passion for S.T.E.M. education and helping children around the world. Along with friends in Pakistan and Vietnam, the rising senior from Islamabad, Pakistan, started a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Stempathy to bring S.T.E.M. education to underprivileged communities. Ahmed’s program is getting ready to launch in Pakistan and Vietnam, with plans to start in Brazil and India as well.

Ahmed has lived in Beijing for 1.5 years but moves around every 2 to 3 years due to his dad’s job in the Pakistani Air Force. His experiences with different cultures have helped him develop an interest in anthropology, which he plans to study in college. Aside from English, he speaks Urdu and a little Chinese.

He is a multi-talented athlete who plays basketball, soccer, and tennis. However, his main sport is swimming, where he specializes in the butterfly stroke. In his free time, Ahmed likes going to concerts and watching movies.

Ahmed has a keen interest in writing, specifically research papers. Through this internship, he hopes to gain more experience in writing, which he believes will assist him in his future career.

Images: Ahmed Z

Beijing Badaling Airport – 1 Hangkong Lu, Badalingzhen, Yanqing, RMB 1980 For 15 minutes/ RMB3800 for 30 minutes

Old Beijing Dinner By UnTour Food Tours –  Dec 17-31  

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

• Vegetarians – Non-meat eaters are welcome and will find plenty to eat. Substitutes will be provided where possible.
• Vegans – This tour offers a limited selection of dishes, but excellent substitutions will be with excellent veg and tofu options at some stops.
• Celiac Disease – Celiac disease substitutes cannot be provided as soy sauce is widely used in dishes to be featured in the tour.
• Nut/Shellfish Allergies – There are no guarantees that utensils and other cooking tools have not come in contact with these ingredients or that dishes to be sampled do not contain said ingredients. If you are allergic, please bring an epi pen and other medication where applicable.

 The exact tour meeting point will be emailed upon booking.

Please contact contact@247tickets.com for booking. Please contact organizer for tour route. Adults RMB 420/ Children RMB 210/ Private tours RMB 2470 , 9am – 12pm .

Christmas Charity Market – Dec 21-22

Beijing Playhouse Kids Theater Camps – Dec 23 – Jan 4 

Daystar Academy Winter Camp – Dec 23 – Jan 3

Black Sesame Christmas Celebration – Dec 15 – Jan 31

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids’ social platforms!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Movies in Concert

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids’ social platforms!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Atelier May Holiday Screen Printing Workshop, May 2-3
Atelier’s May holiday workshop is a great opportunity for students to learn how to make portraits the way Andy Warhol did and learn screen printing techniques. At the completion of the project, students can go home with their beautiful prints. This workshop will be conducted in English. Ages 8+. RMB 1,500. Visit this page for more information. 10am-3pm. Atelier Sanlitun Campus.

Hat-Making Morning Tea Workshop, May 3
China’s only classically-trained milliner, Elisabeth Koch is conducting a hat-making workshop over morning tea. Come on over to her studio in Sanlitun and bring your children to make a fashionable hat, perfect for a springtime jaunt.  All ages. RMB 500 (includes materials, Twinnings English breakfast tea, tuition, and hat box). 9.30am-12.30pm. Elisabeth Koch Millinery Sanlitun Studio. Jinxiuyuan D-102, Xingfucun Zhonglu. (WeChat ID: amazinghats)

Farm2Neighbors: Back to the Hutong, May 3-4
After almost four years of waiting, the Farm2Neighbors (F2N) Market returns to the hutongs! Their comeback is in partnership with BigSmall Coffee. Join the market and a big courtyard party at BigSmall Cafe’s Beiluo Shop on May 3-4. Adults. Free. 11am-6pm. Big Small Cafe Beiluo Shop.

Spittoon Presents: Andrew Killeen’s The Father of Locks Book Talk (May 2) and “So You Want to Write a Novel?” Writing Workshop, May 4
Novelist and beijingkids contributor Andrew Killeen returns to Beijing this Labor Day holiday (May 2) to speak about his acclaimed masterpiece, The Father of Locks, a picaresque novel that transport readers back to the poetry, politics, and underworld debauchery of ancient Baghdad. He will follow up his talk with a workshop on May 4 where he’ll help budding novelists work through the nuts and bolts of long fiction writing. Adults. For the May 2 book talk: free, starts 8pm. For May 4 workshop: RMB 200, 2-4.30pm. See this post for more information. Camera Stylo.

Hutong Races: Beat the Drum, May 4
It’s time for the Hutong Races! Start from Shichaihai Station with your phone charged. Your team must race to find answers and complete challenges in seven hutongs around the Drum and Bell Tower. Every second counts! Hutong Races welcome for newcomers and even Beijingers who want to explore longer and further than they’ve ever done before There are great prizes, freebies, and rewards for at every level of the game. Ages 8+. RMB 50, free for students and children. 2-5pm. Meeting point at Exit A of Shichahai subway Line 8 station. More information and registration: www.hutongraces.com.

Reading Between the Wines Presents: Book the Author, May 4
Reading Between the Wines hosts Book the Author at Blue Marlin on May 4, to give foreign authors in Beijing a chance to showcase their work and meet new readers. Authors have a chance to share their stories and readers have a chance to pick up a new favorite book. Adults. RMB 50. Sign up here. 6-9pm. Blue Marlin. 

Four Seasons and One Vivaldi Puppet Show, May 4/5 and 11/12
Introduce your little one to the world of classical music with this fun puppet show. Little Vivaldi is fascinated by the story his father tells him about young Petrolino the shepherd, interwoven with details about the four seasons. This award-winning English language play is suitable for children 3-8 years of age. Ages 3-8. RMB 80-220 (buy tickets here). 10.30am-3.30pm. Qinglan Theatre. (400 610 3721)

Spring in the City at BCIS, May 5
It is that special time once again where Beijing City International School (BCIS) invites everyone to their annual Spring in the City fair on May 5 at the BCIS Main Campus. As part of recent tradition, this year’s theme of “The Future” was selected with the assistance of Grade 2 students and teachers. There will be a raffle draw and live entertainment on stage and a creative design showroom from students, and a food bazaar featuring delicious dishes from all over the world. A range of vendors will sell artisanal products and hold games for both children and adults too. More info here. All ages. Free. 10am-2pm. BCIS. (8771 7171, bcis.communications@bcis.cn)

YCIS Beijing May Open Day: Early Childhood Education, May 9
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) is holding an open school day in May. Visit their downtown campus, located by the beautiful Honglingjin Park, on May 9 for their Primary and Secondary Open Day to learn more about the exciting learning taking place every day in their Learning Communities. All ages. Free. 9-11am. YCIS Beijing. (8585 1859, info@bj.ycef.com)

Save Your Sanity: How to Find Peace as a Teacher or Parent, May 11
Are you a frustrated new teacher? Or are you a new parent wanting to learn new parenting techniques? Or a veteran educator not understanding today’s students? Join Deborah Jones, a veteran teacher with over 30 years’ experience, in this positive discipline workshop aimed at helping you learn and practice positive behavior techniques to become a stress-free teacher or parent. Adults. RMB 70 (includes a drink). Book a seat here. 3.30pm. The Bookworm.

DCB Founder’s Day 2019 Celebrating 400 Years of Dulwich, May 11
Founder’s Day is the biggest annual event at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB). This year, DCB will be highlighting the 400th anniversary of their founding school in London, Dulwich College. The day will feature family-friendly activities, live music entertainment involving hundreds of students, and the famous International Food Festival with stalls run by DCB parents. All ages. Free. 3-9pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (6454 9033, harmony.liaumueller@dulwich-beijing.cn)

YCIS Beijing Global Community Day, May 11
YCIS Beijing invites everyone to their annual Global Community Day (GCD), a school fair celebrating global citizenship and cultural diversity. Lots of fun activities, beautiful performances, great food, and artistic demonstrations will be on offer, as well as a new ‘wellness’ component for visitors to explore. This event is open to the public and admission is free. All ages. Free. 11am-3pm. YCIS Beijing.

Deepen Your Relationships: Workshops for Couples and Families, May 11
Professional coaches Virginie Mangin and Eike Westerholt lead this workshop on dealing with challenges in relationships. Participants will be able to explore the concrete tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and addressing needs in a non-assertive way. Adults. RMB 350 per session. 10am-12.30pm. The Bookworm. (eike@eikewesterholt.com, info@beyondcoaching.me)

Mission to Mars: The American Ball 2019, May 11
The American Ball this year is out of this world! This space-themed event features AmCham China’s famous silent and live auction, dinner at the Tatooine Cantina, and an out-of-this-world dance floor. Proceeds from the ball benefit the charity Educating Girls of Rural China. Adults. RMB 1,550. From 5.30pm. China World Summit Wing Hotel.

Art Workshop at Song Art Museum, May 11-25
Atelier will present English-language art workshops accompanying the exhibition of Louise Bourgeois at the Song Art Museum, surrounded by the ancient dancing pine trees. It is a full-day art workshop designed for students aged 8 and above. The class will focus on the theme of sewing in Louise Bourgeois’ corpus. The Eternal Thread, which is the theme of the exhibition, will be taken as a metaphor for the students to develop their own story thread, from the ideas suggested by the artworks. The teacher will show six artworks, of various scale and materials but all revolving around this theme. Ages 8+. RMB 675 (Atelier students), RMB 750 (regular price). 10am-3pm. Song Art Museum. (6416 1614, www.atelier.cn.com)

Making Memories at Chapter This Mothers’ Day, May 12
Our moms deserve to be celebrated! Bring the family together and spoil all the mothers in your life this Mothers’ Day at Chapter. Indulge in a variety of delicious starters followed by the huge selection of all her favorites and enjoy free flow wine, beer, and soft drinks. Each mom will receive a special cocktail and a lovely dessert to take home. All ages. RMB 328 per person. Noon-2.30pm. Chapter.

BSB Shunyi Early Years Open Day, May 13
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) invites prospective parents to see the school in action and how they provide their students with an environment that enables them to thrive and progress and to be happy in their first school experience following the English National Curriculum. Talk to teachers and visit the school’s Early Years area and other facilities. Note that this event is open to prospective parents only, so only foreign passport holders, please. All ages. Free. 9-11am. BSB, Shunyi. (8047 3558, admissions@bsbshunyi.com)

Sakura-Themed Delicacies at Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong, until May 15
Enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and special spring- and sakura-themed delicacies at Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong on the Second Ring Road. Chang Fu Gong chefs create these themed meal sets using sakura and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. They have also prepared special seats with the best sakura view in Beijing. All ages. 10am-10pm. Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong. Contact hotel for pricing at 176 1093 8982 / 5877 5530, 5877 5531 or xucaibei@cfgbj.com.

The Forbidden City Tour, May 17 and 30
Beijing’s premier tour operator, Bespoke Travel Company, is organizing a trip to the Forbidden City on May 17 and 30. It’s no surprise Beijing’s most fascinating sight, has inspired an Oscar-winning movie and countless Chinese soap operas: there’s enough murder, betrayal, and intrigue woven into its 500-year story to fuel hundreds more. With its rich cast of characters – concubines, court officials, eunuchs, the Emperor – and wildly changing fortunes (to say nothing of its stunning architecture and symbolism), this is one Beijing bucket list sight you need a professional to help you appreciate. Ages 12+. RMB 385 (including entrance ticket and tour guide). 2-5pm. Participants should bring their passport to enter the Forbidden City. Meeting point at TRB Hutong, Forbidden City East Gate

Montessori Nights: “Montessori Elementary Curriculum in a Nutshell” Workshop, May 17 and 31
Blossom Montessori is conducting four late afternoon workshops to introduce their elementary Montessori program to prospective parents and families. The following topics will be discussed in the workshops: a day in an elementary Montessori class; movements and learning; an overview of their Mathematics curriculum; and another overview of their Language curriculum. Adults. Free but reservation required. 5.30-7pm. Blossom Montessori. (135 8188 7792, admissions@blossom-edu.com)

BIBA Family Fair 2019, May 18
Bring the family along for a day of lively entertainment to Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) on May 18, when they celebrate their annual Family Fair for the community. The fair includes pony rides, water activities, sports, a fashion world, and music, plus a food court along with many more entertaining features. This is a day for the whole community to enjoy. All ages. Free admission, but there will be a charge to buy vouchers to join games and activities. 9.30am-1.30pm. BIBA.

Ivy Education Group’s Unity Day 2019, May 18
Ivy Education Group proudly brings a spectacular afternoon sure to entertain, energize, and inspire the Beijing community. At their Unity Day, there will be everything including a raffle corner, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, STEM, sport activities, carnival games, face painting, and more! Non-stop entertainment on stage such as Daystar’s Got Talent, an acrobat show, and three live bands including Beijing’s award-winning favorite “The Hunters” will keep your feet tapping. Then there’s mouthwatering food to satisfy all cravings. All ages. Free admissions and activities. 3-8pm. Daystar Academy Beigao Campus. (jaw@daystarchina.cn)

The Beijing Flea Market Spring Edition, May 18
Beijing’s one-stop shop, the Beijing Flea Market, is back this springtime on May 18 at noon-6pm at Tech Temple Sanlitun. Shop around and find great deals from more than 40 vendors with the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers in Beijing. All ages. Free. Noon-6pm. Tech Temple Sanlitun.

Mad Dogs China Fundraiser, May 18
Join Mad Dogs China for their annual fundraiser in support of Shepherds Field Children’s Village. Your ticket gets you into a concert with more than 10 bands, tons of kids activities, Bitburger and Chimay beer, plus a chili cook-off, and there are fabulous raffle prizes to be won. All ages. By donation. From 1pm. Beijing Riviera.

“Run to the Beat” Musical Marathon in the Ming Tombs Scenic Area, May 19
Run to the Beat Musical Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K will take place in the Ming Tombs Reservoir Scenic Area in Changping District on May 19, 2019. Live bands and DJs will be playing on course to cheer for the runners. The music party continues at the center stage after crossing the finish line. Ages 16+. RMB 248 (half marathon), RMB 178 (5k), RMB 218 (10k). Register here. Starts 8am. Ming Tombs.

Rumble in the Jumble – Buddha’s Birthday, May 19
This month’s edition of the expat-favorite bazaar Rumble in the Jumble will be transcendental as they mark the birthday of Buddha on May 19 at Modernista. Come join the Rumble team and an array of vendors with products, services, and food items that will lead you into pleasure and harmony! All ages. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista, Baochao Hutong.

The Children’s House Art Exhibition, May 25
The Children’s House students will showcase their expression, interpretation, and development as individuals and artists at the school’s very first art exhibition. In addition to the kids’ masterpieces, an interactive artwork inspired by Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi will be displayed, inviting children and parents to create a collaborative piece of art that will be auctioned for charity. All ages. Free. 9-11.30am. The Children’s House Oceanwide Campus. (RSVP: 8556 4611, info-oceanwide@montessoribeijing.com)

Grace in Form: The Shoulder Girdle, May 26
This all-level workshop will give you the tools to protect your neck and shoulders. Relieve tension, and enjoy greater mobility, strength, and health in your shoulders and neck by focusing on the weight-carrying poses chaturanga, side plank, and inversions. Adults. RMB 400-450. Visit this page for more info or to register. 2-5pm. Yoga Yard.

Piyesta Kultura 2019: The Kusina ni Kabayan Philippine Culture Festival, Jun 1
Celebrate the bright colors of Philippine culture… in Beijing! Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan, together with Pan Pacific Beijing, invite everyone to Piyesta Kultura 2019, a festival where everything is more fun. Indulge in native and tropical treats, revel in the festivities that include a karaoke sing-off challenge and a beauty pageant, and join the Filipino community in Beijing in celebrating their 121st Independence Day! All ages. RMB 178 (includes 4 hrs of selected free-flow drinks and a food voucher worth RMB 20), 3-8pm. Pan Pacific Beijing, 2 Huayuan St, XiDan, Xicheng Qu. (WeChat ID: Kusina-ni-Kabayan) 

“A Night to Remember” Charity Concert, Jun 14
Daystar Academy, the Ivy Schools, and the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing join together for a charity evening cocktail reception… filled with a cappella magic! In their first-ever China tour, Harvard University’s all-female ensemble, the Radcliffe Pitches, and their brother group the Harvard Krokodiloes, are providing a one-night-only evening of entertainment to captivate your heart and imagination. There will also be a silent auction, with proceeds going to Dew Drops Little Flowers and Educating Girls of Rural China. Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening while making a difference in someone’s life. All ages. RMB 688 per ticket. Buy tickets here. Note that children aged 6 and above need a ticket. Ages below 6 can sit on parent’s lap). 6-9pm. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. (186 0120 6155, jaw@daystarchina.cn)

Broadway Classic Musical: The Wizard of Oz, Jun 16-22
This production of The Wizard of Oz is a spectacular celebration of that classic 1939 MGM film. It’s a new, refreshed, and lavish rendition of the beloved classic. Audiences young and old, seeing it for the first time or the fifth, will be dazzled by the brightly-colored sets, charmed by its timeless score, and enthralled with its breathtaking special effects. It truly is a wonderful show for the whole family. And whether it creates new memories or conjures them up from the past, everyone deserves to experience or relive the wonderful, whimsical, and enduring story, The Wizard of Oz. The language of the event is English with Chinese subtitles. All ages. RMB 100-980. Buy tickets here. Starts 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.

Photo: Courtesy of YCIS Beijing (featured image), Andrew Killeen, and event organizers; rawpixels.com via Pexels

The now smart looking La Plantation at Shunyi’s door steps used to be an old government factory. Now this petit private theatre hosts many concerts and performances on weekends. Back in the cold February 2007, it was still an empty space of 100m long, 11m wide and 17 m high. The Paris born Philippe Bouvet and his Chinese partners Zhang Xing (architect) and Shu Kun (interior designer) nearly felt in love with this huge empty place. They enjoyed the absolute freedom to design whatever they wanted.

However, that is not to say they didn’t encounter any challenges. “First, it was the Chinese language, writing difficulties, working habits and relationships between different parties in the working world”. Bouvet recalled. He has been the Art Director of La Plantation since its inception. “To me, it was even more difficult because most of the activities I am managing here were new to me! I had to learn all about a new activity in a foreign country without any background. As I see it now, it was more about a new life direction than only a new job position.”

Before that, Bouvet had already established himself as a passionate, professional musician. As a child, he dreamed of being an archeologist but gradually developed into the role of a musician, playing guitar and singing. He built three recording studios and worked on more than one hundred music productions as sound engineer, producer and art director. He particularly liked to work on polyphonic vocal music and classical music. Having lived in China since 1993, Bouvet traveled a lot and now speaks fluent Chinese. He likes underground creation energy, contemporary dance, and most of the common life of Beijing such as street life, food, and traditions.

“We dreamed of an art project for La Plantation more than for a business one.” Bouvet explained. Upon visiting the theatre recently for a solo concert by the Belgian pianist Florian Noack, I saw that Bouvet’s dream as reality. It was a great concert by a devoted player who has won various international awards including the  2015 ECHO Klassik prize (a major award in Germany）for his latest CD. When I visited, one performer and about 30 audience members sat in attendance in the 150- seat theatre. However, at the end of the concert, hundreds of red rose petals fell from the air to surround the pianist amidst passionate applause, just like in other bigger concert halls. Nothing was lacking and, perhaps, even exhibited more in terms of French taste.

(Pianist Florian Noack and some of the audiences)

As one of Beijing’s few private theatres, La Plantation took one and a half years to be complete, finally making its debut in March 2009. Almost immediately, the venue won several awards, e.g. the 2009 Golden Prize of Interior Lighting Design Contest by China’s “Interior Design” magazine and the 2010 Award of Best Public Space Design by another magazine TrendsHome”. The theatre’s most distinct feature is its natural acoustic system with a second natural reverb developed by Ruben Rodriguez and Masque audio systems.

When they first decided to start building La Plantation in 2007, Bouvet thought it was a too late due to China’s fast growing economy. However, that perspective changed in 2015. “In Europe people have had a habit for centuries of going to theatre and concerts. However, it is still in the early days in China. It is a nice surprise to realize that we are still in advance, but this also means an economical challenge to get 150 people every weekend in a 23 million people city!”

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that La Plantation lacks good musicians. Hundreds of world renowned players once gave performances here. Some famous names include cello player Adrien Frasse-Sombet, awarded classical and jazz musicians like David Violi, Paul Lay, Vincent Peirani, and China’s national orchestra pianist Wu Muye.

Paul Arnaud Pejouan, Director of the largest piano festivals in Europe “Piano aux Jacobins” and “L’esprit du Piano”, told Bouvet after he first heard a piano performance at La Plantation, “Philippe, you have the best chamber music concert hall in Beijing”. Comments like these from performers from a wide range of experiences gave Bouvet great confidence and reward to see many great musicians would like to come and play at La Plantation each time they pass by Beijing.

Talking about the future, Bouvet is passionate about making La Plantation a popular community hub of culture and performance art, especially for the Shunyi area. “Keep going with quality is the only way to bring more and more people. A project is a matter for people and opportunities.”

(Address and contact information of La Plantation)

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB, Shunyi, Oct 20

Adults. The International Newcomers Network Coffee Mornings is a great opportunity to meet other newcomers and old-timers in the Shunyi area. Free. 10am-Noon. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (8047 3588).

Piano Recital by the Dean of Yale School of Music at Keystone Academy, Oct 21

As the Dean of Yale School of Music, Robert Blocker is a renowned international pianist and music educator. He is also a commentator of current affairs who often appears at TV and radio shows in the U.S. He will give a piano solo concert at Keystone Academy to present classic pieces by Mozart and Brahms. 7pm, 200RMB. Only for children above 1.2 meters. (8049 6008-2037, event@keystoneacademy.cn)

Harrow Beijing Autumn Fair, Oct 22

All ages. Harrow Beijing’s Autumn Fair brings quintessential British flair such as Bric-a-Brac (vendors selling their wares), delicious fair food, entertaining games and activities, and live performances to the community. This event is organized by Friends of Harrow. Free. 10-am-4pm. Harrow International School Beijing (6444 8900)

Roundabout Children’s Flea Market, Oct 22

This event could be for all ages but particularly children between 4 and 12 years old. Signing up beforehand is expected. Name of kids and contact phone numbers to be sent to Lili Zhou at phone 150 1018 7653, WeChat: CHOWLZHOU, or email: chowlilyzhou@yahoo.com. 14pm-17pm. In front of Uniqlo, Central Plaza, North of Shine Hill City.

Car Boot Sale, Oct 23

As October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Roundabout hosts this day to be a great fun day out for family as well as to raise fund for Wheels for Life breast cancer screening program of United Family Charitable Fund. Crafts, cool race cars, snacks and warm drinks to be expected. Find a choice location on the wide street in front of the retail store, and then open the boot to sell your stuff. Register at roundaboutlily1989@163.com, 200rmb/car; pay by WeChat, or cash at the store. (Enquiries: 158 0132 9247 Chinese and 186 1137 1614 English) 10am – 1pm.

Florian Noack Piano Recital at La Plantation, 23 Oct

Florian Noack is from Belgium.He began playing piano at the age of 4 and at 12, he entered the Queen Elizabeth Musical Chapel in the program for Exceptional Young Talent. He has won some twenty national and international competitions, and is regularly invited to many festivals in China, the U.S., France and Germany. In 2015, he won the ECHO Klassik prize (a major award in Germany）for his latest CD. 4pm, 150RMB/adult or 80RMB/student for advanced booking (5166 1201, 185 1344 8256 – English and French speaking). 200RMB/adult or 100RMB/student for tickets on site.

Roundabout Book Fair at DCB, Oct 22, 24 and 25
All ages. Grab your own stellar book deals (as low as RMB 1) and support a charitable cause. Free. 10am-3pm. Dulwich College Beijing (6454 9000)

YCIS Beijing Brings Holiday Cheer with Secondary School Christmas Concert
On December 15, Secondary School students of all ages performed in YCIS Beijing’s annual Christmas Concert. There were a myriad of holiday-themed performances for the packed audience to enjoy. The concert served as a festive holiday send-off for YCIS Beijing students, parents, and staff. IGCSE and Secondary Music Co-ordinator Lianne Yu had the following remarks on the performances:

The Secondary Concert, a piece of this year’s Winter Wonderland performance series, showcased a variety of performing groups to bring Christmas cheer to the YCIS community. During the concert, we had performances from the Lower Secondary and senior orchestras, the choir, IGCSE classes, a dance number, individual performances, quartets and rock bands. In total, approximately 120 students took to the stage to perform! The show definitely highlighted the commitment and motivation of students to produce high quality, polished performances. Original works and arrangements by our teachers were also performed in small ensembles featuring wind and string groups. We also had many audience sing-a-longs led by students in the audience. A fun and festive time was had by all. Not a Christmas carol was left unsung!

See photos from the event below.

Photos Courtesy of YCIS Beijing

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.

As the seventh International Schools Choral Music Society (ISCMS) festival came to a close, the organization’s founder Shane O’Shea announced to the 350 young musicians on the stage: "I am humbled by you."

He said so with good reason. The final gala concert at the Forbidden City Concert Hall was a display of awe-inspiring musicality, made infinitely more impressive by the fact that the performers were all of school age. Hosted by Dulwich College Beijing, the event saw the most talented performers from across Asia’s international schools perform a challenging program lasting almost two hours.

With just a few days to rehearse together the orchestra could be forgiven for slight hiccups, but it instead opened with a note-perfect and suitably menacing rendition of Mussorgsky’s "Night on Bald Mountain."

What was to follow was perhaps more astounding. Because the multi-faceted and complex piece that concluded the first half of the concert was composed by a student, Gordan Yam. His piece "Rise of the Trolls" conjured images of Lord of the Rings not only with its name but with the epic trumpet calls and marching drums that wove throughout the composition.

After the interval, a full choir joined the orchestra on a packed stage to perform Haydn’s "Nelson Mass," before Grammy Award-winning musician Christopher Tin took the stage. Conducting a world premiere performance of his composition "Temen Oblak", the powerful piece earned him the biggest cheer of the night.

The audience, this writer included, was left as humbled by the evening as the ISCMS director. The gala concert was genuinely brilliant performance from some of the most talented young musicians you are likely to encounter. If you missed it this time round the festival will, after heading to Shanghai and Singapore for the next two years, return to Beijing in 2017.  

Photos by Ken