Carnival of the Animals at Berlin Zoo

Melodious Clownery Around the Most Famous Animal Composition

Camille Saint-Saëns wrote "Le Carnaval des Animaux" in 1886 as a humorous suite about 14 animal groups — lions, swans, elephants, aquarium, kangaroos, birds. The work is now considered one of the most popular classical family compositions ever. The Berlin-based Duo Klavieriki (Olga Shkrygunova and Anne von Twardowski, both trained pianists) has developed its own musical-clownish performance based on it, which they present throughout Germany.

What Happens on Stage

The performance combines classical piano music with theatrical elements — the pianists interact with the audience, wear animal masks, blow soap bubbles (for the "Aquarium"), use other instruments, and guide the children through the animal world of the composition. Duration: 30 minutes per performance. Language: German, but thanks to the strong musical and visual elements, it is also accessible to non-German-speaking children.

Patagona Restaurant as a Stage

The Patagona Restaurant at Tierpark Berlin is located in the Patagonia area of the zoo — a modern themed world with Chilean plants, waterfowl, and several animal enclosures. The restaurant has a stage area that is regularly used for events. Ideal for a family performance: no minimum order, children can move freely, and afterwards, you can continue exploring the park.

Friedrichsfelde and the Tierpark

Tierpark Berlin in Friedrichsfelde (Lichtenberg district) is one of the largest zoos in Europe with 160 hectares — significantly larger than the western Zoo at Bahnhof Zoo. Opened in 1955 as the East's response to the western zoo, it is now an integral part of life in the eastern part of the city. Those who visit the Carnival of the Animals typically combine the concert visit with a full day at the zoo.