Mini Maestro Musical Tales, St Martin in the Fields

With their winning blend of timeless classical music and audience participation, the London Musical Arts Orchestra's Mini Maestro Family Concerts have become a regular and highly popular fixture at St Martin in the Fields. For twelve years, John Landor, the orchestra's Musical Director, has devised and presented these fun and informative shows, which aim to introduce classical music to younger audiences in a creative and accessible way.

Unlike the kind of sombre and static affairs that could easily put kids off the world of classical music, Mini Maestro concerts are informal, lively and highly interactive. Instead of being told to sit in silence, children are invited to mime actions, beat drums, clap and sing along. They can sit within the orchestra, or have the orchestra come to them, as the friendly musicians walk amongst the audience. They might even get the chance to conduct!

Both educational and entertaining, we think the Mini Maestro Musical Tales: Peter and the Wolf concert on the morning of 7 December would make the perfect festive family outing. Budding music enthusiasts will enjoy Sergey Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, perhaps the most popular of all children's musical tales, which has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations.

This seasonal favourite follows the charming tale of a young boy, Peter, whose bravery and ingenuity help him catch a dangerous wolf. The London Musical Arts Orchestra has also thrown in some delightful excerpts from Camille Saint Saëns' raucous Carnival of the Animals, and some traditional sing-along Christmas carols for good measure.

Or for even more festive fun, why not attend the Mini Maestro Family Christmas Concert on the afternoon of 7 December? Expect uplifting Christmas favourites such as G. F. Handel's Fireworks Music, Arcangelo Corelli's Christmas Concerto, Antonio Vivaldi's 'Winter' from his Fours Seasons, Johann Sebastian Bach's Suite No.3. Oh, and more carols than you can shake a mince pie at. Merry Christmas!

ticket price: Adult £7, under 16 £5

Tube station: Leicester Square, Embankment