SEASONALLY appropriate, gallery@bcs is presenting “Fowl Play”, a group exhibition on the theme of animal welfare. “Chickens live in a world that is far from ideal,” the artists’ statement begins. Artists see them as beautiful, but their reality is otherwise. At Belconnen Community Centre (not Belconnen Arts Centre), Swanson Court, Belconnen, December 14-January 8 (opening event 5.30pm, Tuesday, December 15, all welcome).

IN “Haydn’s Esterhazy Orchestra” the Australian Haydn Ensemble recreates the era when Joseph Haydn was composer at the Esterházy Palace and created his early symphonies “Le Matin”, “Le Midi” and “Le Soir”. Violinist Marc Destrubè, from Vancouver, will play the role of Haydn, while soloist Erin Helyard will perform his “Concerto for Harpsichord in D Major”. At Albert Hall, 7pm, Thursday, December 17. Bookings to 1800 334388 or australianhaydn.com.au or at the door.

A FEAST of music is promised when the National Capital Orchestra presents its annual “Concerto Concert”, featuring works by Berlioz, Telemann, Mouquet, Marcello, Boehme, Krommer and Rachmaninov conducted by Leonard Weiss. At the John Lingard Hall, Alexander Street, Red Hill, 3pm, on Sunday, December 13. Entry by donation.

THE Q and Queanbeyan City Council are turning on a free “Morning Melody” with piano man Joey Fimmano, former “Young Talent Time” star and Mo Award winner. It’s at the Bicentennial Hall, 10.30am, on Monday, December 14. Bookings to 6285 6290.

THE Fairies fly into Canberra for a Christmas show for preschoolers. In an hour of singing, interactive dancing and giggles with Harmony, Rhapsody, Barnaby, Elf and Wizzy there’ll also be ballet to “Jingle Bells”, “Away in a Manger” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. At Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, 11am, December 16, bookings to 6283 7200.

“COLLEGE Express 7” showcases the energetic artwork of 150 students in Years 11 and 12 from north-Canberra colleges. They run the gamut of video, photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles and design work. At Belconnen Arts Centre until January 31.

Also at Belconnen Arts Centre, until December 13, Brisbane artist Ros Paton’s exhibition “Lamina” celebrates the transience of our built environment, a subject initially inspired by the 1989 Newcastle earthquake.

DON’T miss Nicola Dickson’s fascinating current installation in the glass-walled Gallery 4 of Canberra Museum and Gallery facing Civic Square, visible 24 hours of the day until February 13.