What's on in London this week: 18 – 24 September 2023
Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 18- 24 September 2023.
Santtu Conducts Verdi’s Requiem
The Philharmonia Orchestra, led by Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, performs Verdi's emotional Requiem. Featuring soloists Natalya Romaniw and Karen Cargill, this masterpiece spans intense violence to grandeur, ending with a spine-tingling duet. Dedicated to Jo and Barbara Modiano, it's a moving musical experience.
Date: 21 September 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £20 – £75. Book now.
Image: Santtu conducts Verdi's Requiem Santtu conducting Philharmonia. Photo by Mark Allan.
Royal Albert Hall Presents Steinway Piano Series - Allysha Joy
Acclaimed Australian artist Allysha Joy, known for her diverse talents as a singer, pianist, poet, and songwriter, will perform a solo piano show at Royal Albert Hall's late-night Jazz event. As the lead vocalist of 30/70 Collective, she has crafted her distinctive sound and showcased her versatility, earning a devoted global fanbase. Expect a heartfelt performance exploring themes of love, power, and hope for change.
Date: 21 September 2023. Time: from 9:30pm.Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP. Price: from £13. Book now.
HowTheLightGetsIn Festival
This weekend at Kenwood House, experience the unique fusion of philosophical debates and live music at the HowTheLightGetsIn festival. Explore profound ideas and enjoy live comedy, engaging discussions, and exceptional performances. It's an extraordinary adventure for those seeking a unique festival experience.
Date: 23 - 24 September 2023. Location: Kenwood House, Hampstead Ln, London NW3 7JR. Price: from £138. Book now.
Image: View from Up at The O2!. September 2023. © MTotoe.
Silent Disco at the top of The O2
Get ready for an exhilarating late-summer series at Up at The O2! This weekend, experience unique silent disco events 52m above ground at twilight, featuring beats by KISS FM's DJ Harriet Rose. Enjoy 360° views of London, glitter make-up, and a complimentary soft drink with your ticket.
Date: 22 September and 29 September 2023. Location: Up at The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX. Price: £55 + £8 champagne upgrade. Book now.
Turning Tides Festival 2023
Don't miss Turning Tides at Greenwich Peninsula this weekend! Enjoy live music, DJs like Afriquoi and Los Bitchos, performers, great food, and cocktails in the Design District. Grab free tickets, gather friends, and dance the weekend away!
Date: 23 – 24 September 2023.Location: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0AX.
Price: Free. Learn more.
Image: Stage for Turning Tides Festival at Greenwich Peninsula. September 2023. © MTotoe.
Maciej Kułakowski and Jean-Sélim Abdelmoula at Wigmore Hall
Catch Maciej, a young Polish cello prodigy, at Wigmore Hall this week, showcasing his talent after winning the Lutoslawski International Cello Competition at 19. Joined by the versatile pianist and composer Jean-Sélim Abdelmoula, they will present a program featuring works by Beethoven, Fauré, Janacek, and Brahms.
Date: 24 September 2023. Location: Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore St, London W1U 2BP. Price: £18. Concessions available. Book now.
Image: Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival 2023.
Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival
The Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival is making its much-awaited return this September for its fifth consecutive year. Organised by Leigh Chappell and Janne Ford, the event will highlight a stunning presentation of the finest British-grown flowers. It's noteworthy for its dedication to environmentally friendly foam-free floristry practices, as well as its showcase of innovative designs by some of the UK's top floral designers.
Date: 22 – 24 September 2023. Time: 11am – 5pm. Price: from £19. Concessions available.Under 14’s Free. Book now.
Das Rheingold
Director Barrie Kosky and conductor Antonio Pappano collaborate on a bold interpretation of Wagner's Das Rheingold, the opening of his Ring cycle. The story involves the theft of Rhine gold, triggering destructive conflicts between gods and mortals across generations. The production promises a journey through myth and memory, with Erda, Mother Earth, at its core. Antonio Pappano conducts, marking the start of a new Ring cycle for The Royal Opera, featuring cast members Christopher Maltman as Wotan and Christopher Purves as Alberich.
Date: until 29 September 2023. Location: Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD.Price: £87–£325. Book now.
Image: Manchester Collective. © César Vásquez Altamirano.
Manchester Collective: After Dark
Experience classical music like never before with Manchester Collective. This avant-garde ensemble, a Resident Artist at Southbank Centre, presents a late-night immersive event featuring minimalist gems and innovative takes on classical favourites. Renowned for their experimental programming and bold collaborations, Manchester Collective blends contemporary compositions and classical masterpieces.
Date: 22 September 2023. Time: 10.30pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £10. Book now.
Image: Luca Rutherford, You Heard Me, Photography by Eastside.
You Heard Me
You Heard Me is a story and celebration for those who've faced underestimation, silencing, and fear. It embraces both the subtle and the bold, conveying the transformative power of reclaiming one's voice and space. The narrative revolves around Luca's experience, emphasising the pivotal moment when making noise saved her from an attack, illustrating the importance of refusing to remain silent and the ability to reshape and challenge the status quo. The essence of the show lies in the understanding that using one's voice can lead to empowerment and participation in a larger collective.
Date: until 14 October 2023.Time: 7.30pm. Location: Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN. Price: Pay What You Can (Recommended Price £12). Book now.
Future of Food Festival
The Future of Food Festival is a week-long event from commencing this week in Regent Street and St. James's. It focuses on sustainable food practices, celebrates Central London's restaurant scene, and introduces Regent Street's first Urban Farm. The festival includes 23 restaurants, 17 events, and educational activities showcasing sustainability in the food industry.
Date: 18 - 24 September 2023. Location: Regent Street and St James’s. Website: regentstreetonline.com.
Image: Image: Artist Guan Chow. © Joey Li.
Paint & Sip With A Purpose!
Leiho and Baron's Court Project are hosting an art class with guest artist Guan Chow. Guan's art helped him overcome anxiety and loneliness, and he'll share his journey, including his famous 'rainbow tree' painting. Join them for inspiration and creativity! All materials, drinks, and snacks provided.
Date: 20 September 2023. Time: 6pm- 8.45pm.Location: Union Chapel,19b Compton Terrace London N1 2UN United Kingdom. Price: from £16.50. Get 10% off booking with the code 'FLO10' .Book now.
Architecture on Stage at the Barbican Centre
This event, moderated by Financial Times architecture critic Edwin Heathcote, will explore the historical significance and enduring relevance of a distinct London housing style. The discussion will feature insights from Karin Templin, author of At Home in London: The Mansion Block, housing expert Claire Bennie, and architects Richard Lavington and Alfredo Carraballo.
Date: 21 September 2023.Time: 7pm. Location: Level 4, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £15. Book now.
Image:The Barbican. Photo by Wellington Silva.
Wellness
Padel Club at Canary Wharf
Exciting news for sports enthusiasts, the Canary Wharf Group has introduced Padium, London's largest premium padel club, located at 10 Bank Street. Padel, a thrilling blend of tennis and squash, has gained global popularity with notable players such as David Beckham, Serena Williams, Lando Norris, and Roger Federer. Padium offers both indoor and outdoor courts, impressive facilities, and a cosy mezzanine lounge. This new addition further enhances Canary Wharf's diverse sporting offerings, including open water swimming, lively minigolf, beach volleyball, and fitness studios.
Location: 10 Bank St, London E14 4DE. Website: padium.com
Image: Padel courts by Padium. Image courtesy of Canary Wharf Group.
London Design Festival 2023
The 21st London Design Festival (LDF) is happening this week, showcasing London's global design influence. It spans nine days across 13 areas, offering exhibitions, talks, and workshops—a prime opportunity to experience the latest in design and creativity in central London. Here is a small portion of our favourite things to see and do during LDF.
Hana Mikoshi at the V&A
The V&A Museum is honouring Mino, Japan, famous for its washi paper. They are displaying a 'flower shrine' with 50,000 Mino washi paper flowers, made by visitors during summer workshops, resembling a traditional festival in Mino.
Date: Until 15 October 2023. Location: V&A Museum, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL. Price: Free.
Image: Nice to Meet You Again by Morag Myerscough. Shoreditch Electric Light Station. September 2023. © MTotoe.
Nice to Meet You Again by Morag Myerscough
Morag Myerscough and MINI have teamed up for Nice to Meet You Again, blending tradition and tech in an immersive experience at Shoreditch Electric Light Station. The installation reflects MINI's future vision and Morag's bold, colourful style. Over the next couple of days, there will be workshops and talks, embodying MINI's 'Big Love' approach and celebrating transformative unity.
Date: 16 - 19 September 2023. Location: Shoreditch Electric Light Station, London N1 6NU. Price: Free, no ticket required. Instagram: @moragmyerscough
The LEGO® Piece Garden
The LEGO® Piece Garden fosters creativity in a communal space. Londoners can build LEGO® Botanicals and Art pieces. It includes Artists in Residence, workshops, and the LEGO Adults Welcome range for a calming and creative experience.
Date: 16 – 24 September 2023. Location: Ace Corner, 149-150 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6HU. Price: Free, no ticket required.
Image: Spirit of Place by Simone Brewster. September 2023. © MTotoe.
Spirit of Place by Simone Brewster
Simone Brewster collaborates with Amorim for her project Spirit of Place. The installation, comprising five sculptural vessels, is located at Strand Aldwych for public exploration. The title 'Spirit of Place' reflects the unique essence of a location, aligning with the environmental potential of Amorim’s cork forest.
Date: 16 – 24 September 2023. Location: Strand Aldwych, London WC2R 1ES. Price: Free, no ticket required. Instagram: @simonebrewster_london.
Click here for a visual preview.
Click here to discover our pick of 10 must-see things at this year's London Design Festival.
Arts & Culture
London Sculpture Week
London Sculpture Week has returned this week for its second edition, bringing public art to the forefront in various significant locations across the capital. Following its successful debut in 2022, this event is a collaborative effort between four prominent London cultural initiatives: Frieze Sculpture, Fourth Plinth, Sculpture in the City, and The Line. Together, they aim to celebrate and exhibit public art, collectively highlighting London's vibrant cultural scene and its position as a dynamic cultural hub.
Image: Serge Attukwei Clottey, Tribe and Tribulation, 2022. The Line East London.
Click here to discover London Sculpture Week highlights, according to Stella Ioannou, Artistic Director of Sculpture in the City and Founding Director of Lacuna.
Opening this week
Marina Abramović
The Royal Academy of Arts will host a groundbreaking solo exhibition by Serbian performance artist Marina Abramović, showcasing her 50-year career in performance art. The exhibit will feature diverse mediums and live reenactments of key performances, highlighting her transformative approach and enduring influence on contemporary art.
Date: 23 September 2023 – 1 January 2024. Location: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD. Price: from £25.50. Concessions available.Book now.
Image: Marina Abramović, The Hero, 2001. Single Channel Video (black and white, sound); 14 minutes, 19 seconds. Courtesy of the Marina Abramović Archives. © Marina Abramović.
Unearthed Collective: Where Can We Be Heard?
The Unearthed Collective, a collaboration involving artists, curators, and local individuals, dedicated ten months to deeply exploring the lesser-known 20th-century histories of Clapham. They meticulously gathered materials and probed collective memory, suppressed narratives, and the role of authority in storytelling. Their resulting exhibition, titled Where can we be heard?, hosted at Studio Voltaire, showcases their artistic interpretations and discoveries from the collaborative research on dispersion and gathering patterns.
Date: 23 September – 29 October 2023. Location: Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row, London SW4 7JR. Price: Free. Website: studiovoltaire.org.
Image: Eileen Perrier, Untitled 1, Afro Hair and Beauty, 1998 © Eileen Perrier.
The Missing Thread: Black British Fashion
Somerset House showcases the impact of Black British fashion from the 1970s to today. Explore how Black creativity shaped mainstream fashion, emphasising key themes. Celebrate the lasting influence of designers like Joe Casely-Hayford and contemporary Black creators.
Date: 21 September 2023 - 7 January 2024. Location: Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA. Price: from £12.50. Concessions available. Book now.
#FLOFAVOURITES: THIS WEEK
Women in Art Prize
The Women In Art Prize, formerly known as the Hollybush Painting Prize, is currently being exhibited at the Roundhouse. This prize supports emerging women painters and photographers, expanding to include other art mediums, offering a glimpse into the promising talent within the art world.
Date: until 29 September 2023. Location: Roundhouse bar & cafe, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH.Price: Free.
Tidal Traces: Art Trail and Video Work
Only a couple of weeks remain to catch Irma Irsara's thought-provoking environmental art installation, Tidal Traces, at the Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret. Dive into the pressing issues surrounding the Thames—this exhibit won't be here for much longer!
Date: until 30 September 2023. Location: The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, 9a St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY. Price: from £7.50. Concessions available. Book now.
Image: Pump by KNOT. @_k_n_o_t
Pump by KNOT: Performance
As a highlight of the Totally Thames River Festival, the duo Knot—comprising Hannah Oram and Rosie Mullan—presents their latest performance, Pump, in collaboration with the historic Crossness Pumping Station in Abbey Wood. This station, crafted by Sir Joseph Bazalgette in 1865 for London's sewage system, sets the stage for Knot's exploration of what remains unprocessed. Adorned in hard hats and tabards, they gracefully traverse the space, uncovering hidden elements and sharing their discoveries.
Date: 22 September - 1 October 2023. Location: online. Click here for more information. Instagram: @_k_n_o_t
Cinema
Scrapper
Scrapper is a debut feature by Charlotte Regan, telling the story of Lola Campbell, a resourceful orphan surviving on an east London estate. Her life takes a turn when her estranged father, Harris Dickinson, reappears in an attempt to be a father figure. The film explores their strained father-daughter relationship from a child's perspective, blending humour and heartfelt moments, reminiscent of Sean Baker's The Florida Project.
Note: This screening is a relaxed screening. Relaxed screenings at the Barbican takes place in an environment that is specially tailored for a neurodiverse audience, as well as those who find a more informal setting beneficial.
Date: 18 September 2023. Time: 6.30pm. Location: Cinema 3, Beech Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £6. Book now.
Image: Scapper. UK 2023 dir Charlotte Regan.
Pop-ups & Venues
New opening
Must & Lees Fitzrovia
Must & Lees, a wine shop and tasting room in Islington, has expanded to a new location on Warren Street. The space will accommodate around 15 people inside, with additional outdoor seating. A curated selection of wines by the glass, which you can enjoy with cheese and charcuterie, and a bottle shop featuring a diverse range of wines, particularly from exclusive vineyards in France, Spain, and Italy, is available. The shop will also be introducing the Fast Food & Fine Wine Series in the coming months.
Location: 57 Warren Street, London W1T 5NR. Website: mustandlees.co.uk. Instagram: @mustandlees
Image: Must & Lees, Fitzrovia. September 2023. © MTotoe.
#FLOFavourites: Pick of the week
FREE EVENT OF THE WEEK
The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar
The Barbican conservatory is hosting an exhibition titled Cloud songs on the horizon by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar. It's her first major show in Europe, showcasing five large-scale suspended sculptures inspired by nature and crafted using materials like wood, stainless steel, muslin, lacquer and techniques that have been adapted from traditional Indian crafts. The Conservatory will have special late-night openings every Friday, allowing visitors to explore the exhibition after regular hours.
Date: Every Friday until March 2024. Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: Free, must be booked. Book now.
Image: The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar. Barbican Centre. September 2023. © MTotoe.
Food of the week
Crosstown x El Rayo Collaboration
Attention dessert aficionados! Prepare for a doughnut delight collaboration by Crosstown and El Rayo. Introducing a revamped vegan Margarita doughnut infused with El Rayo 100% Agave Plata Tequila. Picture a luscious custard filling inspired by margaritas, laced with yuzu and tequila, topped with an El Rayo Plata glaze, lime, basil, and candied lemon. Available individually in-store or online. You can also get your hands on gift box with assorted doughnuts, tequila, and tonic, available for delivery in select regions. Visit crosstown.co.uk for orders and more information.
Image: Crosstown x El Rayo Collaboration. Image courtesy of Crosstown
interview of the week
In conversation with Matthew Hilton
Image. Matthew Hilton. Photo by Romany Gilmour.
Matthew Hilton has spent the majority of his career designing furniture and interior products. He's earned recognition as a Royal Designer for Industry and received multiple awards. His latest exhibit, TOUGH MOMENT, at the Paul Smith's gallery, represents his first foray into sculpture.
Click here to read the full interview.
TOUGH MOMENT will be on at the Paul Smith Gallery Space on Albemarle Street, Mayfair, until 31 October 2023.
Cause of the Week
Unfold
Unfold is a charity that provides mentoring programs to empower individuals towards their goals. Established in 1989 as 'Westminster Befriend a Family,' the organisation evolved into 'Unfold' in August 2022, broadening its approach. Their mentors, who come from diverse backgrounds, offer sustained, person-centred support for 12 to 24 sessions, available online, over the phone, or in person. Unfold's approach focuses on boosting confidence, building independence, and fostering a sense of connectedness within the community. Their success is evidenced by significant positive shifts in participants' confidence levels, problem-solving abilities, and social connectedness
Click here for more information on how you can become a mentor with Unfold.
Website: unfold.org.uk. Instagram: @unfoldmentoring
