Bach to Baby Family Concert: It's a String Thing!

Part of the Roman River Festival 2025 - See all concerts here.

"Not all children’s entertainment has to be corny and colourful, as Bach to Baby proves."
Time Out

Step into a joyous atmosphere where your tots are free to roam about, explore, and dance to fantastic live music, while you can enjoy an outstanding concert by top-notch musicians, knowing your little ones are safe and positively encouraged to play. Yes, it's another fabulous Bach to Baby Sunday for you and your littles - enjoy music in the gorgeous barn at Layer Marney Tower before enjoying the glorious views across the county as they run around the gardens or use the outdoor play facilities and say hello to the loyal goats and sheep which wander freely around the grounds. Children of all ages are welcome.

It's a String Thing!

Featuring Katy Johns (violin) & Daisy Vatalaro (cello)

Celebrate the colours of autumn with a concert full of warmth, charm, and musical magic. Violinist Katy Johns and cellist Daisy Vatalaro bring the shimmering clarity of Bach’s Inventions and the fiery brilliance of Handel-Halvorsen’s Passacaglia to life in a performance that’s perfect for all ages. With sparkling string duets and a sprinkling of your favourite nursery rhyme singalongs, this’ll be a treat for the whole family.

Bach to Baby is the critically-acclaimed concert series for babies, toddlers, and you, founded by professional musician Miaomiao Yu after becoming frustrated at not being able to take her children to the sort of quality classical music concerts that she regularly enjoyed as a professional musician. Miaomiao, an award-winning pianist, wanted to perform for her son in a concert setting, but found it unrealistic for many reasons, including the late nights. "And then I thought, this is silly. Why not play for him and his friends and other babies and toddlers, at a kid-friendly time? The idea grew from there," says Miaomiao, who is also a professor of piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Katy Johns| violin
American violinist Katy Gorsuch Johns studied with Miriam Fried at Indiana University, USA, before being taught by Itzhak Rashkovsky at the Royal College of Music in London, England. She then embarked on a playing career which has taken her to such venues as Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and St David’s Hall. As a member of the prize-winning Bronte String Quartet from 2001 to 2006 she performed at IMS Prussia Cove and on BBC Radio 3. Since working as a freelance violinist, she has played with Independent Opera at Sadler’s Wells and the English Chamber Orchestra. Her recent performances include work by Sibelius at the invitation of the Sibelius Society, recording Schubert’s Rondo for violin on the Champs Hill label, and playing favourites from the piano trio and duo repertoire at concerts in Tunbridge Wells, Hammerwood Park and the City.

Daisy Vatalaro| cello
Daisy studied at Clare College, Cambridge and the Eastman School of Music, New York. As cellist of the Bronte String Quartet, she performed at the Wigmore Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall, appeared on BBC Radio 3 and at festivals such as Cheltenham and Edinburgh. She is the cellist in the Musicke Companye and has appeared as a guest with the Allegri Quartet and the Chamber Players. Daisy has performed with orchestras including the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players, Irish Chamber Orchestra and Aurora Orchestra. She has also played with period groups including Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Academy of Ancient Music, Irish Baroque Orchestra and the Kings Consort.

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Duration: approx. 1 hour. 

Planning: There is ample parking at Layer Marney Tower. Doors open to ticket holders at 10.30 for an 11 am start.

Tickets £20 per adult. Two children come for free with every adult. 

Admission to Layer Marney Tower and gardens, England's tallest Tudor palace and home of Henry VIII's Lord Privy Seal in the 1520s, is also included in your ticket. The Tower opens when the show finishes. To find out more: Home | Layer Marney Tower | Historic Tudor Venue | Essex

The gift shop and tea room will also be open.

Please be aware that adults are responsible for the children in their care and that our Roman River Volunteers cannot look after any children - or your personal belongings - during the event. Thanks!

Photo credit: Bach to Baby – Alejandro Tamagno