Fancy That, Southbank Centre

Well, Fancy That! Indeed, we fancy this concert. As part of the Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival, the perennially popular Carnival of the Animals will take you through a carnival of all sorts of different creatures, from swans to elephants.

It’s a morning concert during half term and so will be perfect for taking the kids. It’s billed as good for 7-11 year olds, but we think it’s good for all ages. It’s definitely a must-see in the world of classical music. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment is continuing in their quest to bring music to the masses, this time with their series of Family concerts.

Presenter James Redwood will be guiding the audience through the different pieces, played by the internationally-renowned Labèque sisters, Marielle and Katia, on the piano and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment on their authentic period instruments. The two Labèque sisters, who have a couple of years between them, have played with pretty much every big-name orchestra around the world. They have become the most famous musical duo in classical history.

The French composer Saint-Saëns wrote The Carnival of the Animals in 1886 and it is still as delightful as when it was first performed. Saint-Saëns always intended this to be a fun piece. Not only is it a pleasure to hear, but is great fun for performers too. The melodies are memorable and so full of character that you will be humming them for weeks. This will be a relaxed atmosphere and a relatively short concert, but worth every minute. 

Tickets: £5-£12

Address & Maps:  Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX  ‎

Nearest Tubes: Waterloo