London’s best classical music venue

London's classical music scene is lively and diverse, with numerous venues to explore. The city hosts five major symphony orchestras and two opera houses, ensuring a continual offering of classical performances. Our guide provides insights into where you can enjoy classical music in London. 

The Barbican Centre

London Symphony Orchestra and Soweto Kinch at the Barbican Hall. © Mark Allan.

#FLODown: The Barbican Centre, an iconic brutalist architectural masterpiece, is a renowned hub for classical music in London, amidst its huge cultural offerings. Home to the London Symphony Orchestra, it has hosted performances by many classical music greats. Annually, it presents a carefully curated programme of concerts, attracting international talents and serving as a base for other distinguished orchestras.

Location: Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Website: barbican.org.uk

Wigmore Hall

Wigmore Hall.

#FLODown:Wigmore Hall, just a short walk from Oxford Street, is a cherished venue for classics. Known for its intimate acoustic atmosphere and charming Art Nouveau interiors, the hall regularly hosts well-known string quartets, piano recitals, and rising stars. As part of their effort to make classical music more accessible, they offer a limited number of free tickets for those under 25.

Location: 36 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2BP. Website: www.wigmore-hall.org.uk.

The Southbank Centre

London Philharmonic Orchestra. © Mark Allan.

#FLODown: The Southbank Centre, a key destination for classical music in London, features three main venues: the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and the Purcell Room. The Royal Festival Hall, built in 1951 with a mid-century modern design, is the primary classical venue hosting renowned orchestras like the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra. It also welcomes orchestras from around the world, attracting globally recognised performers.

Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Website: southbankcentre.co.uk.

The Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House.

#FLODown: The Royal Opera House, an internationally acclaimed venue, is the proud home of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. Famed for its lavish productions of classic works, the venue hosts critically acclaimed performances featuring sought-after international stars.

Location: Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD. Website: roh.org.uk.

Cadogan Hall

#FLODown: Minutes from the King's Road, Cadogan Hall effortlessly blends historical charm with a vibrant concert series featuring the London Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. With a variety of performances by international artists to choose from, they often provide tickets at reasonable prices.

Location: 5 Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X 9DQ. Website: www.cadoganhall.com.

Wilton's Music Hall

Wilton’s Music Hall. Photo by Paul Marc Mitchell.

#FLODown:A historic East End venue, Wilton's Music Hall, exudes Dickensian charm. As one of the world’s oldest surviving live music venues, it hosts cosy classical performances, and small-scale yet atmospheric opera in its lively, historic setting.

Location: 1 Graces Alley, London, E1 8JB. Website: wiltons.org.uk.

Milton Court Concert Hall

Guildhall Chamber Orchestra in Milton Court Concert Hall.

#FLODown: Adjacent to the Barbican, Milton Court Concert Hall houses a stylish 600-seat concert hall. Hosting small-scale and multimedia classical performances, it proudly showcases international talent, including artists from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Location: Milton Street, London, EC2Y 9BH. Website: miltoncourt.com.

The Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall

#FLODown: Located in South Kensington at Kensington Gore, The Royal Albert Hall is renowned as the summer home of the BBC Proms. Its circular main hall provides a grand setting for gala concerts and operatic arena spectaculars.

Location: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AP. Website: royalalberthall.com.

Kings Place

Kings Place. © Keith Paisley.

#FLODown: Opened in 2008, Kings Place is a modern multi-use arts centre in King’s Cross. It serves as a fine addition to London's classical music scene, featuring a year-round programme that includes performances by symphony orchestras, string quartets, and international artists.

Location: 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG. Website: kingsplace.co.uk.

St John’s Smith Square

St John’s Smith Square.

#FLODown: St. John’s Smith Square, an elegant 18th-century church turned concert hall at Smith Square, regularly hosts lunchtime concerts and performances by its resident orchestra, the Southbank Sinfonia.

Location: Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HA. Website: sjss.org.uk.

St Martin-in-the-Fields Church

St Martin-in-the-Fields Church.

#FLODown: A London landmark in Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields Church hosts choral, chamber, and orchestral music, utilising its atmospheric acoustic and crypt café.

Location: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JJ. Website: smitf.org.