12 classical music concerts to attend at the Southbank Centre in Autumn 2024
The Classical Music Autumn/Winter Programme for 2024/25 at the Southbank Centre will commence in September, featuring its six Resident Orchestras: Aurora Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and Philharmonia Orchestra. This season promises an array of performances, including powerful symphonic works, compelling premieres, and landmark anniversary events. Highlights of the Opening Weekend include the London Philharmonic Orchestra with Joyce DiDonato, the Philharmonia Orchestra’s Nordic Soundscapes series under Santtu-Matias Rouvali, and performances by Igor Levit, The Multi-Story Orchestra, and Lawrence Power. This is just a glimpse of the exciting programme ahead. Here is our selection of 12 classical music concerts not to miss this autumn at the Southbank Centre.
Edward Gardner Conducts Rachmaninov
#FLODOwn: The London Philharmonic Orchestra will present Rachmaninov’s The Bells, a choral symphony that explores a range of emotions from sparkling joy to deep sorrow, capturing the essence of Russia’s spirit. Conducted by Edward Gardner and featuring the London Philharmonic Choir, this performance follows Rachmaninov’s grand piano concerto, with Leif Ove Andsnes bringing his exceptional artistry to the stage.
Date: 28 September 2024. Time: 7pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £14. Book now.
András Schiff: Haydn, Schubert & Mozart
#FLODown: Sir András Schiff will play-direct and conduct the Philharmonia Orchestra in a performance featuring three Classical masterpieces. Schiff will perform Haydn’s lively and elegant concerto and Mozart’s emotionally rich concerto, directing from the keyboard as the composers themselves once did. Between these, he will conduct Schubert’s enchanting and unfinished Symphony No. 8, offering a trio of exceptional works.
Date: 6 October 2024. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £15. Book now.
Marin Alsop Conducts Mahler's Fifth Symphony
#FLODown: Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop and singer Sasha Cooke join the Philharmonia Orchestra to explore the emotional depths of Gustav and Alma Mahler's music. The programme features Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, notable for its dramatic range and the poignant Adagietto, which Mahler sent to his future wife Alma as a declaration of love. Additionally, the orchestra will perform Blumine, a rarely heard movement originally part of Mahler's First Symphony, highlighting the gentler side of the Philharmonia’s Principal Trumpet. Alma Mahler’s lesser-known yet moving songs will also be presented, showcasing Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke’s expressive voice.
Date: 24 October 2024. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £15. Book now.
María Dueñas Plays Sibelius
#FLODown: The rising violinist María Dueñas joins the Philharmonia Orchestra for a concert that includes Sibelius’ deeply personal Violin Concerto, and a new piece, Submarea, by Mats Larsson Gothe. Submarea accompanies Joakim Odelberg’s stunning underwater film of the Nordic coast, which will be shown on a large screen at the Royal Festival Hall. Dueñas, who won the Menuhin Violin Competition in 2021 and impressed audiences at the 2023 BBC Proms, is set to captivate listeners once again. The programme also features Nielsen’s inventive Fifth Symphony, known for its unique structure and dramatic depiction of a battle between good and evil.
Date: 3 November 2024. Time: 3pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £10.Book now.
Daniel Barenboim & West-Eastern Divan Orchestra
#FLODown: Experience the power of hope through music with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, uniting young Israeli and Arabic performers. Co-founded by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said, this ensemble symbolises hope and possibility in a conflict-ridden region. For 25 years, it has brought together young musicians from the Middle East who might otherwise never meet. In this special concert, Barenboim joins the orchestra to perform great orchestral repertoire, culminating in Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.4, which captures the joy and atmosphere of Italy.
Date: 4 November 2024. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £15. Book now.
Beethoven's Ninth
#FLODown: The Philharmonia Orchestra, under the baton of Robert Ziegler, presents an unforgettable evening featuring Beethoven’s monumental Choral Symphony, culminating in the iconic Ode to Joy. The programme also includes Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, with the Philharmonia Chorus joining for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
Date: 14 November 2024. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £19.50. Book now.
Ara Malikian
#FLODown: Lebanese-Armenian violinist Ara Malikian and his band present an eclectic evening of music that bridges classical and contemporary sounds. Performing material from his latest album, inspired by his son’s growth, Malikian’s bold, charismatic style spans genres from Bach to flamenco to Guns N' Roses. A sought-after musician, he has performed globally with artists like Sting and Fairuz, and with orchestras such as the London Chamber Orchestra and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.
Date: 22 September 2024. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £40.Book now.
Santtu Conducts Sibelius & Grieg
#FLODown: The Philharmonia Orchestra’s season will begin with the Nordic Soundscapes series, featuring pianist Stephen Hough. The evening will open with María Sigfúsdóttir’s Oceans, followed by Hough performing Grieg’s passionate Piano Concerto. The concert will conclude with a rare performance of Sibelius’ dramatic Kullervo, featuring the YL Male Voice Choir.
Date: 26 September 2024. Time: 7pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £15.Book now.
Igor Levit: Bach, Brahms & Beethoven
#FLODown: Igor Levit will offer an engaging evening of piano music, opening with Bach’s Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue. He will then explore the dramatic Ballades Op. 10 by Brahms, inspired by the gothic poem Edward, Edward. The performance will culminate with Liszt’s dazzling transcription of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, where Levit’s piano will bring to life the serene beauty of the countryside, from birdsong to thunderstorm.
Date: 27 September 2024. Time: 7pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £15. Book now.
Lawrence Power with Thomas Adès: Fairy-Tale Dances
#FLODown: Violist Lawrence Power joins composer Thomas Adès at the piano for an imaginative concert at the Southbank Centre, celebrating British music inspired by Purcell and Dowland, with works by Adès, Britten, and Tippett. The programme includes Adès’ Märchentänze, Berio’s Naturale with a dancer, and concludes with Stravinsky’s Divertimento from Le baiser de la fée. Look out for foyer events featuring Power, Adès, and their colleagues.
Date: 27 September 2024. Time: 9pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall. Price: from £15. Book now.
Scottish Ensemble Performs Philip Glass
#FLODown: The Scottish Ensemble offers a contemporary programme showcasing the power of string music, culminating in Philip Glass’ meditative Symphony No. 3 for 19 string players. Known for their innovative performances, the ensemble invites listeners to explore new musical paths.
Date: 29 September 2024. Time: 7pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall. Price: from £15. Book now.
Patricia Kopatchinskaja Plays Shostakovich
#FLODown: Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja will perform Shostakovich’s gripping Concerto, exploring themes of memory and truth. The concert also features Sibelius’ evocative Fifth Symphony and Britten’s deeply emotional work. Edward Gardner will conduct this captivating programme.
Date: 4 October 2024. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall. Price: from £14. Book now.
Bvlgari Hotel London introduces a striking new collaboration with sculptural artist Hannah Lim, featuring a bespoke afternoon tea and a transformative redesign of the hotel’s façade….
Slice teams up with Yard Sale Pizza for free Pizza on the 24 September at their Hackney Road Store….
The exhibition ‘MARY MARY’ will feature sculptures by nine women artists on the roof terrace above Temple tube station from October 2024 to September 2025…
Hayu FanFest will make its debut in London on 26 October, featuring exclusive panels, star-studded meet-and-greets, and a special appearance by Andy Cohen…
NAOMI: In Fashion. • Deborah Turbeville: Photocollage • Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London • Sargent and Fashion • Beyond Fashion • Un-hide: Reframing Luxury • Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection• Marie Antoinette Style • Barbie Exhibition…
London’s most anticipated art month is on the horizon, with Frieze London and Masters taking centre stage at The Regent’s Park from 9 October - 13 October 2024. This renowned week typically sees a flurry of activity across the city, with numerous art fairs, events, and exhibitions showcasing the best in contemporary and historical art. To help you navigate the excitement, here is your guide to 50 art exhibitions not to be missed during Frieze Week.…
London's bustling art week returns next month, with Frieze London and Frieze Masters launching at The Regent's Park from 9 to 13 October 2024. During this time, several other art fairs will also be taking place across the city…
London Fashion Week returns on 12 September 2024 to celebrate its 40th anniversary, presented by 1664 Blanc and curated by the British Fashion Council. The event will feature over 1,000 activities across the city…
Queen’s Park is set to bid farewell to summer with a vibrant street party on Lonsdale Road, scheduled for Friday, 13th September, from 4-10pm. This exciting event will unite the local community with a lively set by Hed Kandi DJ John Jones …
London Podcast Festival 2024 · Birkenstock 250th Anniversary Exhibition · Rolf Hind: Sky in a Small Cage · Totally Thames 2024 · Unlimited Southbank Centre · London Mural Festival 2024 · Cornelius + Ichiko Aoba · The Marriage of Figaro, The Royal Opera · Rooftop Book Club · The Vinyl Factory: REVERB · Ernest Cole: House of Bondage · Roger Mayne: Youth …
London Podcast Festival to take place in King’s Cross with 11 days of live podcasting featuring broadcaster Nick Grimshaw and actress and activist Jameela Jamil…
A significant piece of London’s nightlife history is making its way to the new London Museum, set to open in 2026. The iconic sign from the renowned nightclub fabric, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019, will be featured in the museum’s permanent installation…
Babur is a respected family run restaurant in an unassuming neighbourhood which opened back in 1985 and has clearly stood the test of time. The kitchen is led by two talented chefs (formerly of the renowned luxury Oberoi Hotel Group) head chef Jiwan Lal and sous chef Praveen Kumar Gupta, who both helped Babur receive London’s Best Asian Restaurant at the Asian Restaurant Awards in 2022.
One Tree Hill Nature Reserve offers a peaceful retreat from busy London. Located in Honor Oak It can be reached by the Overground train arriving at Honor Oak, a small reserve of 7 acres with interesting history, wildlife and stunning panoramic views towards the city.
To mark its 250th anniversary, Birkenstock is hosting a unique photo exhibition and book launch in September at its creative hub, Birkenstock Studios. Offering an exclusive insight into the brand’s rich history and cultural impact…
Lumen Studios present NONOTAK’s ECLIPSE in London with a 1,000-square-metre immersive light and sound exhibition.
Shifters, currently on at The Duke of York’s Theatre following a sold-out first run at Bush Theatre, is the story of Dre and Des: two childhood friends who reunite at the wake of Dre’s Nana after eight long years apart.
From timeless operas to groundbreaking ballet, here’s everything you need to know about what’s on stage this September...
Sam Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, the acclaimed LA-based artists behind the renowned collective "FriendsWithYou," are the creative minds behind "Little Cloud World," now on display in Covent Garden. During their recent visit to London, we had the privilege of speaking with them about their creative process and the inspiration behind this captivating project.
Westminster Abbey, London's most iconic and historic church, boasts over a thousand years of heritage, renowned for its remarkable Gothic architecture and pivotal role in British history. To help you make the most of your visit to this extensive and fascinating site, here is our guide to ten essential things to see and do at Westminster Abbey.
Kinnari Saraiya is a London-based Indian artist, curator, and researcher whose work focuses on trans-altern and post-humanist ideas from the Global South. She is currently a curator at Somerset House and has held positions at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Frieze Art Fair, and Bowes Museum....
This November, Saatchi Gallery presents Anastasia Samoylova’s environmental photography alongside a compelling showcase of Black Atlantic imagery...
Art of London has commissioned artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE to transform Piccadilly Circus with a vibrant installation titled Good Things Come To Those Who Wait from 20 – 31 August 2024....
Centre Pompidou · Bourse de Commerce · Musée Picasso · Palais de Tokyo · Petit Palais · Musée de la Vie Romantique · Boot Café · Used Book Café · Montparnasse Tower · Seine River Tour · Aux Ducs de Bourgogne · Cinq-Mars · Chez Janou · UNO · Hotel Amour · Donna...
As the final bank holiday before Christmas approaches this weekend, to help you enjoy this last hurrah, here is our guide to some of the best ways you can spend the bank holiday in London...
Arte Povera at Bourse de Commerce · retrospective of Jackson Pollock’s Musée National Picasso-Paris · Barbara Crane’s photography at Centre Pompidou · Pop Forever, Tom Wesselmann & …, at Fondation Louis Vuitton · Petit Palais Palais de Tokyo…
Berlin, Berlin: 20 Years of the Helmut Newton Foundation · Alexandra Pirici and Nama Tsbar at Hamburger Bahnhof · Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley: The Soul Station · Luis Roque: Estufa · Galli: See How You Get On · Akinbode Akinbiyi: Being, Seeing, Wandering · Frans Hals: Master of the Fleeting Moment · Dream On—Berlin, the 90s...
Wilhelm Sasnal: Painting as Prop at Stedelijk Museum · Matthew Wong: Vincent van Gogh: Painting as a Last Resort at Van Gogh Museum · Point of View at Rijksmuseum…
Tate has announced the acquisition of Archie Moore’s acclaimed artwork kith and kin, in collaboration with Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). This acquisition, supported by Creative Australia and the Australian government, marks a significant…
There is a strong hospitality team involved here with the proprietor David O’Brien, formerly development director of Caprice Holdings, the kitchen is led by head chef Fionnan Flood formerly of The Chelsea Pig and Clark Crown (ex-Palomar) at the bar...
NAOMI: In Fashion. • Deborah Turbeville: Photocollage • Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London • Sargent and Fashion • Beyond Fashion • Un-hide: Reframing Luxury • Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection• Marie Antoinette Style • Barbie Exhibition…
London’s most anticipated art month is on the horizon, with Frieze London and Masters taking centre stage at The Regent’s Park from 9 October - 13 October 2024. This renowned week typically sees a flurry of activity across the city, with numerous art fairs, events, and exhibitions showcasing the best in contemporary and historical art. To help you navigate the excitement, here is your guide to 50 art exhibitions not to be missed during Frieze Week.…
London's bustling art week returns next month, with Frieze London and Frieze Masters launching at The Regent's Park from 9 to 13 October 2024. During this time, several other art fairs will also be taking place across the city…
London Fashion Week returns on 12 September 2024 to celebrate its 40th anniversary, presented by 1664 Blanc and curated by the British Fashion Council. The event will feature over 1,000 activities across the city…
Yayoi Kusama · Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers · Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum: It Will End in Tears · Silk Roads · Geumhyung Jeong: Under Construction · Michael Craig-Martin · Monet and London: Views of the Thames · Lap-See Lam · Tracey Emin: I Followed You to the End · Nairy Baghramian: Jumbled Alphabet…
Anonymous street artist Banksy unveils five new animal-themed artworks in London this week, including the Perched Goat, Kew · Two Elephants, Chelsea · Three Monkeys, Brick Lane · Howling Wolf, Peckham · Pelicans, Walthamstow · Cat, Cricklewood Piranhas · City of London
Marc Quinn: Light into Life · Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere · Roger Mayne: Youth · C. Rose Smith: Talking Back to Power · Rheim Alkadhi: Templates for Liberation · REVERB by The Vinyl Factory · Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection · Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN · Gavin Jantjes: To Be Free! A Retrospective 1970 – 2023 · Francis Alÿs: Ricochets · Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence …
José María Velasco: A View of Mexico · Noah Davis · Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism · Christina Kimeze · Citra Sasmita: Into Eternal Land · Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo · The Music Is Black: A British Story · Kiefer/Van Gogh · Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300‒1350 · Kerry James Marshall · A Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle · Mickalene Thomas: All About Love · RA Summer Exhibition 2025…
NAOMI: In Fashion. • Vivienne Westwood: The Personal Collection • The Lore of LOVERBOY • Sargent and Fashion • Beyond Fashion • The Biba Story, 1964-1975 • Back in the Dazed - Rankin 1991-2001 • Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style • Barbie Exhibition…
Lonnie Holley: All Rendered Truth · Barbie Exhibition · Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024 · Joy Labinjo: We Are Briefly Gorgeous · Minoru Nomata: Continuum · Eliza Kentridge: Tethering · Ablade Glover: Inner Worlds, Outer Journeys · Peter Kennard: Archive of Dissent · Postgraduate Fine Art Shows 2024 · Lottie Cole: A Commonplace Collection of Paintings · Firelei Báez: Sueño de la Madrugada (A Midnight’s Dream)…
Harminder Judge: A Ghost Dance · Eric Manning: 100 Acres · Elli Antoniou: passages through the caustics · Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY · Zanele Muholi · Matthew Barney's SECONDARY: light lens parallax · Atta Kwami · John Baldessari: Ahmedabad 1992 ·Kenturah Davis: clouds…
Celeste at Tate Modern Late · Courtauld Lates: Summer of Art · Soane Late: Pride Month Celebration · Saatchi Gallery: Summer Lates · Morgan Stanley Late at Somerset House.
Discover Degas & Miss La La · 23rd Serpentine Pavilion by Minsuk Cho · Sharon Walters: Seeing Ourselves · being alone by Dean Sameshima · ax-d. us. t by Adriano Costa · SIN CENTRE · DOMINION · 100 Years by Jenny Lewis · Metamorphosis: Innovation in Eco-photography & Film · MONUMENTAL: Tipping the Scales of Historic Design.
Central Saint Martins Shows 2024 · RA Schools Show 2024 · Goldsmiths Degree Show 2024 · Chelsea College of Arts Undergraduate and Graduate Diploma Show · Slade School of Fine Art Degree Show 2024 · Camberwell College of Arts Undergraduate and Graduate Diploma Show · Kingston School of Art Show 2024 · London College of Communication's Shows 2024 · Wimbledon College of Arts 2024 Undergraduate Show · City & Guilds London School Degree Show
You Belong Here at the Southbank Centre · The Kensington and Chelsea Art Week (KCAW) Public Art Trail · Chelsea Barracks Sculpture Trail 2024 · The Line · Sculpture in the City · POoR Collective: Together We Rise…
Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere • Rheim Alkadhi: Templates for Liberation • Gavin Jantjes: To Be Free! A Retrospective 1970 – 2023 • Francis Alÿs: Ricochets • Anthony McCall: Solid Light • Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2024 • Zanele Muholi • NAOMI • RA Schools Show 2024 • Alex Israel: REMEMBR • Galli: So, So, So • Before Freedom Pt. 2: Adam Rouhana • 23rd Serpentine Pavilion by Minsuk Cho • Karoliina Hellberg: Labyrinth • Discover Degas and Miss La La…
The Bleeding Tree · Black is the Color of My Voice · Much Ado About Nothing · The Dao of Unrepresentative British Chinese Experience · Being Mr Wickham · The Secret Garden · The Taming of the Shrew
Discover the eight must-see pavilions at the 2024 Venice Biennale. From the prominent showcases to some of the delightful pavilions further afield…
Bold Tendencies is back for the summer season, transforming a disused car park in Peckham into an arts venue throughout the summer. This year’s theme, Communion, explores community resilience in crises, featuring works by artists like Saelia Aparicio, Adam Farah-Saad, Olu Ogunnaike, Yoko Ono, and Martin Parr…
Isa Genzken: Wasserspeier and Angels · Beryl Cook / Tom of Finland · Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music · Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection · Design Discoveries: Towards a Design Museum Japan · Adam Rouhana: Before Freedom · Photo London 2024.
London Craft Week 2024 returns this week for its 10th edition, highlighting British and international creativity by showcasing over 750 established and emerging makers, designers, brands, and galleries.
The 10th edition of Sketch in Bloom commemorates the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery with a theme titled ‘National Treasures.’…
Vibrant expressionism: Kandinsky, Münter, and the Blue Rider exhibition takes Tate Modern by storm..
Kati Heck: TIP-TOE-ECHO · Shaqúelle Whyte: Yute, you’re gonna be fine · Amel Bashier: رد الجوري ‘Ward el Juri · Alina Frieske: Nightly Newsfeed · Marc Quinn: Light into Life · Adam Rouhana: Before Freedom · Saroj Patel: Ocean Mother · Fabian Ramírez: Firing of the Idols · Jeremy Hutchison - Dead White Man: Effigies…
Robert Rauschenberg ROCI · Andrew Omoding: Animals to Remember Uganda · Jane Emburey: all things are full of gods · Younès Ben Slimane: Images de Tunisie · Lindokuhle Sobekwa: Heart of the garden · Matthew Krishanu: The Bough Breaks · Accordion Fields · SKATEBOARD · Darren Almond: Life Line · Richard Kimathi: Heaven is Dry.
Ernest Cole: House of Bondage · Beryl Cook / Tom of Finland · Judy Chicago: Revelations · Gavin Jantjes: To Be Free! A Retrospective · Lonnie Holley · The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2024 · Anthony McCall: Solid Light · Barbie Exhibition · NAOMI · Zanele Muholi · Modernism in Ukraine, 1900-1930s · Tavares Strachan: There Is Light Somewhere · Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and the Blue Rider…
Women’s stories and solidarity. Feminism and Activism. Photography.
Marc Quinn: Light into Life · Rheim Alkadhi: Templates for Liberation · REVERB by The Vinyl Factory · Photo London · Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection · Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN · Michelangelo: the last decades · Angel ‘LA II’ Ortiz: ‘The Great Collaborator · London Craft Week 2024 …
British Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare presents new and recent artworks at the Serpentine South Gallery across a diverse array of media: from sculptures and installations to pictorial quilts and woodcut prints.
Ceramic Art London · The Last Caravaggio · Sony World Photography Awards · Sofia Laskari: Body and Flesh · Yulia Iosilzon: Modus Operandi · Alexandra Zarins: Caught in the Act of Being Ourselves · Lucienne O'Mara: Through the Grid · Mafalda von Hessen: Looking In · Allan Gardner: Foreverisms · San Marco by John Robertson…