Summer concerts for kids in Beijing

Every summer, a series of musical events is held at the Beijing Concert Hall aimed at a young audience.

Launched in 1994, the events, under the title of Gateway to Music, will be kicked off on July 7 this year, and will feature 47 concerts, including instrumental and multimedia shows staged by musicians from different countries.

The key highlights this year will be German piano duo Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis, who will play piano works of Chopin, Schubert and Debussy on July 15; Polish trio the Three X, with violinist Krzyszof Kokoszewski and the pianists Jacek Obstarczyk and Jacek Stolarczyk, who are seeking to make classical music fun on July 22.

Two recitals over July 15-16 will be designed for children under the age of 6, combining classical music and animation. On Aug 20, the audience can enjoy a show by French ensemble Chapi Chapo. Founded in 2003 by four French musicians, the ensemble has turned toys into instruments. In their performance, fairy tales of Europe will be adapted into music.