A relaxed, family-friendly morning of traditional Chinese music at Ashfield Library featuring the erhu and pipa. Perfect for school holidays and curious kids.
Sunday 11 October 2026
10:30am - 11:00am
Civic Centre, Level 3/260 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131, Australia
Free
Join us for a gentle, family-focused cushion concert at Ashfield Library that invites school-aged children and their parents to experience the soothing sounds of traditional Chinese instruments. This relaxed morning is designed for families who want an engaging cultural activity during the school holidays.
Musician Shiping Zang leads the session with warmth and patience, introducing the erhu and the pipa in a way that delights children and adults alike. Expect close-up demonstrations, simple explanations, and opportunities to listen closely to beautiful melodies that spark curiosity about music and culture.
This event is ideal for parents looking for purposeful school holiday activities that are calm, accessible and culturally enriching. It’s relaxed, stroller-friendly, and intended to be a welcoming morning out for families in Ashfield and the Inner West.
You’ll arrive to a cozy, informal setting where cushions are welcome and children can sit close to the performer. The session is short and sweet, perfect for younger attention spans and busy family schedules.
Highlights include:
- Live demonstrations of the erhu and the pipa
- Child-friendly explanations about traditional Chinese music
- Quiet, interactive listening that encourages gentle participation
Parents can expect a peaceful, structured 30-minute performance with opportunities for children to ask questions and hear the unique tones of these instruments up close. The concert is designed to introduce musical concepts and cultural appreciation in an accessible way.
Duration is approximately 30 minutes, running from 10:30 to 11:00, ideal for a morning outing during the school holidays. The format is drop-in, which suits families who prefer flexible plans.
No bookings are required, making this a low-stress option for parents juggling holiday logistics. The performer will keep the pace gentle to suit younger children and mixed-age groups.
Ashfield Library also offers a musical instrument collection, so families can borrow traditional instruments after the concert to extend the learning at home—an excellent follow-up for curious kids who want to explore more.
The concert is held at Ashfield Library, Level 3, 260 Liverpool Road, Ashfield NSW, a familiar local venue for families in the Inner West. The library setting makes it easy to combine the concert with a browse of children’s books or craft activities.
The venue is mobility accessible and suitable for strollers and wheelchair users, with accessible bathrooms available. This makes it a convenient choice for parents with little ones or family members with accessibility needs.
Public transport and nearby parking options make Ashfield Library an easy destination for a short morning outing. If you’re local, it’s a simple school-holiday activity that doesn’t require a big trip or complicated planning.
This is a child-friendly, drop-in event during the school holidays; please arrive a little early to find seats on cushions and settle the kids. Bringing a small cushion can make the experience more comfortable for your child.
Accessibility supports include mobility access; if you require additional assistance, contact the library ahead of your visit to confirm available services. The session is suitable for mixed ages and sensory needs, with a calm atmosphere encouraged.
Please supervise children at all times and be mindful of other families enjoying the performance. Food and noisy toys are best kept outside the performance area to preserve the relaxed atmosphere.
There is no fee for this event—entry is Free and no bookings are required, which is ideal for last-minute family plans during the school holidays. Families can simply turn up and enjoy the music.
If you’d like to borrow traditional instruments from Ashfield Library’s musical instrument collection after the concert, ask staff about availability and borrowing terms. This is a lovely way to continue musical exploration at home.
For any questions about accessibility or program details, contact Ashfield Library directly or check the Inner West Libraries events page for updates and related family-friendly activities.
