Can you believe it is already February? No, neither can I. I don’t know where the time has gone to at all!
Now you may well be super organised and have your February all planned out already, or maybe it’s still too cold to venture out of the house. On the other hand, if you want to be a bit more spontaneous, are looking for some great concerts or music events to take your children to this month, then here is a little guide to some of the music events on for children in Birmingham, UK, this month that, at the time of writing, still have ticket availability (some of the events have limited ticket availability, especially Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty, so if any of these are good for you and your family, book soon).
Birmingham Hippodrome
Home to Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Welsh National Opera, the Hippodrome is a fantastic large venue that hosts touring arts companies who put on big shows like musicals.
Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty on 7 – 11 February 7.30pm or 2.30pm
Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty reawakens, celebrating 10 years since its premiere at Sadler’s Wells, when it became the fastest selling production in the company’s history.
Now established as a firm favourite in the New Adventures repertoire, the award-winning Sleeping Beauty has enchanted international audiences throughout the UK and across the globe.
Enter a wondrous world of magical fairies and vampires, where the timeless tale of good vs evil is turned upside-down, creating a supernatural love story that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder. Will Princess Aurora ever find her true love again?
With an unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky, sumptuous sets and costumes, evocative lighting and masterly storytelling, the beloved fairy tale is brought to life by the uniquely talented New Adventures company. Get ready to be transported in time from the halcyon days of the late Edwardian era through to the modern day in this dazzling gothic romance.
Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty
Birmingham Royal Ballet – Swan Lake 15 – 25 February various times.
The greatest of all romantic ballets returns in ‘one of the world’s finest productions’ (The Observer). Birmingham Royal Ballet revives Peter Wright and Galina Samsova’s glorious journey into Swan Lake – with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia performing Tchaikovsky’s superb music live alongside BRB’s spectacular dancers.
Prince Siegfried is out hunting one night when he happens upon a flock of graceful swans. When one of them turns into a beautiful woman named Odette, the Prince is utterly smitten – but Odette explains that she’s fallen under an evil spell cast by the dreaded Rothbart, which keeps her in swan form from dawn to dusk. Can Siegfried break the spell and smooth the path of true love? Find out in this exquisite production of a true ballet classic.
Birmingham Royal Ballet – Swan Lake
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall is a wonderful purpose built concert hall, famous for its amazing acoustics. The Hall is part of the International Convention Centre on Centenary Square, next door to Birmingham Rep Theatre. This is a venue that is very close to my heart and one I spent a lot of time in when I was younger as my very first jobs were at Symphony Hall. There are a couple of fantastic sounding free family events on here this month, one of which I am very tempted to take my children along to.
Family Jam on 18 February at 10.30am
Are you ready to make instant music? Warm up your voice and grab an instrument! This session is about exploring the aural skills that Jazz and Folk musicians share across the globe.
No previous experience required – bring an acoustic instrument if you have one – perfect for the whole family.
Free event!
ECHO Rising Stars Vanessa Porter Duo: Family Percussion Workshop on 19 February at 2pm
Following their morning performance as part of the ECHO Rising Stars series of concerts, come an join the Vanessa Porter Duo for this interactive, have-a-go percussion workshop to kickstart the February half-term holiday. This will be a chance to get a hands-on experience playing a range of percussion instruments, led by some of Europe’s best young percussionists in the welcoming Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space at Symphony Hall.
ECHO Rising Stars Vanessa Porter Duo: Family Percussion Workshop
Midland Arts Centre (MAC)
I live within walking distance of MAC and love this venue. It’s a multi-purpose venue, meaning that there is an art gallery both a separate gallery space and one around the cafe areas, workshop spaces, a theatre, a cinema, and other performance spaces. It is also in Canon Hill Park making it a great place for a day out. They have some great events on throughout February from film showings ion their cinema to a fun sounding show for young children (age 3-12) – The Bubble Show on 21 February. Given that half term is approaching this month, MAC will also have a lot of arts and crafts based courses for children and young people. It is definitely worth having a look through their website to see if there is something for your child(ren) to enjoy, link given below and you can click through to the rest of their calendar of events from this link.
Babies Adventures in Music (BAM) on 24 February at 11am & 2pm
Bring your baby for a bounce with singer Sam Frankie Fox and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Rocha. This warmly interactive performance for babies, families and friends celebrates music with a host of instruments, styles, gentle movements and stimulating sounds. A mix of familiar and new music comes to each month’s sessions, building on your babies’ previous interaction and giving them more chance to learn and to grow!
Performances feature harp, diatonic accordion, a range of stringed instruments, songs in different languages and lots more.
Suitable for babies 0-18 months and their families and friends.
Performances are 30 minutes long
Babies Adventures in Music (BAM)
Old Skool Family Disco on 19 February at 2pm
Get your Sunday afternoon groove on with the launch of our regular new family disco.
Join the party (and still be home in time for an early night) with a DJ banging out the tunes plus mascots, glow sticks and bubbles. Fancy dress encouraged, though not essential. Sound and lighting levels will be suitable for young children, families can relax in the chill-out zone or get creative at the craft station. Snacks and drinks for adults and kids are available.
All adults must be accompanied by at least one responsible child!
MAC Makes Music/ Come and Sing: Hit the Road on 22 February at 11 am
Join Mariana for a fun and inclusive online Sing and Sign session.
We will be singing and signing and playing songs about travelling, adventures and finding new places. If you have an instrument or soundmaker, you might want to bring it along and help us make some music.
This session is suitable for families and young people with additional needs or disabilities with their music-making.
This is a free online event.
Warwick Arts Centre
Warwick Arts Centre is a multi-purpose arts centre based at the University off Warwick, that is actually based in Coventry rather than Warwick. It hosts music, drama, comedy, dance performances and more along with a number of different workshops and arts classes for the local community. They have recently re-opened after a very big refurbishment.
Musical Picnic on 12 February at 11am
A wonderful monthly series of original, participatory family performances continue featuring an eclectic mix of incredible musicians, musical styles, cultures, instruments and personalities.
Artists over the coming months to include, Randolph Matthews, The Hotclub of Jupiter, Bostin Brass, BAM! Babies’ Adventures in Music (with Sam Frankie Fox & Ricardo Rocha).
Free to just drop by between 11am and 12.30pm
My First Concert: Stomp and Sing on 23 February at 1pm
A relaxed and interactive concert designed especially for babies, children and their grown-ups.
Every half term holiday, join us for a fun and interactive concert brought to you by professional musicians with a passion for sharing their love of classical music.
Whether it’s your very first concert or your 100th – it’s a great way to enjoy music together as a family!
My First Concert: Stomp and Sing
Family Singing Spring 2023 on 26 February at 11.30am
Join us for our popular Sunday morning hour of singing.
Songs to get you singing, moving and dancing, with a healthy dose of creativity thrown in. Open to all ages, you just need to bring yourselves, and your willingness to have lots of fun.
Free, just drop by!
If you have enjoyed reading my blog post, thank you. I am always looking for ideas for the blog, so would love to hear from you with suggestions for topics you would like me to cover in the future. Also, if you would be interested in supporting me to keep this blog running, buying the books to review here, and supplies to make the DIY instruments, for example, I would be absolutely delighted if you would consider buying me a coffee using the following link: Buy Me A Coffee Thank you!!
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