HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR BEETHOVEN

Think the Auckland Symphony Orchestra is too expensive or high-brow for your family? Think again. Happy Birthday Mr Beethoven is a free concert by the ASO celebrating Beethoven’s contribution to classical music with a performance of his Pastoral symphony. If you have budding pianists in your family they’ll be wowed, inspired and possibly made to feel just slightly inadequate by the exceptional talent of 11-year-old Shan Liu who will be playing the second piano concerto of Chopin, as well as the March in B-flat by Prokofiev. It’s a wonderful introduction to classical music for children or anyone who feels like classical music hasn’t been accessible to them, and of course just a delightful concert for classical aficionados.

Tomorrow, 2.30pm. Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna. May 9, 2.30pm, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland. Book free tickets from aucklandlive.co.nz