London Symphony Orchestra
Summer 2017 WHAT’S ON AT LSO ST LUKE’S NORTHERN LIGHTS Concerts exploring music from Northern Europe SOUND UNBOUND A weekend of bite-size concerts in the City VOICE OF THE CELLO Explore the rich sound-world of music’s most soulful instrument INSIDE OUT Meet our Gamelan Group and other free music on our front lawn
2 SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
TIMPANI & PERCUSSION LSO players discuss the LSO Academy and the importance of nurturing artistic talent. Turn to page 10
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C of the e c i o V Page 6
BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERTS Delve into a series devoted to the smooth singing tones of the cello. Turn to page 6
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BITE SIZE MUSIC The perfect weekend festival for lovers of live music returns. Sound Unbound: the Barbican Classical Weekender showcases the infinite variety of instrumental music. Turn to page 8
Showc Music asing Youn g Page 1ians 6
THE NEXT GENERATION Inspiring the artists of tomorrow is at the heart of our work. See and hear it in action for yourself on page 16
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Loo Pageking for 20–2 Listi ngs? 5 SUMMER AT LSO ST LUKE’S To browse our entire summer season at LSO St Luke’s, head towards the back. You’ll find ticket information and other details there too. See page 20
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OUR FAMILY LSO St Luke’s Ambassadors pick their favourite concerts from the summer season. Turn to page 18
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NORDIC MUSIC Join in with our Free Friday Lunchtime Concerts as we celebrate music from Scandinavia, Finland and beyond. Turn to page 14
KEEP IN TOUCH Say hi online, join our mailing list or browse the website for more! lso.co.uk/lsostlukes
4 WELCOME TO LSO ST LUKE’S
Welcome to LSO St Luke’s
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A music venue for everyone to enjoy in the heart of London. 14 years ago, the London Symphony Orchestra, Resident Orchestra down the road at the Barbican Centre, decided to transform what was the shell of a de-consecrated church into a unique music venue for everyone to enjoy, together with one of its corporate partners, UBS.
As a Grade I listed building with a stunning contemporary interior, LSO St Luke’s regularly hosts award ceremonies, daytime conferences, gala dinners and more.
Created principally as a space for the Orchestra’s education and community projects, as well as for the LSO itself to rehearse in, the venue also hosts hundreds of events each year, exploring genres as far-reaching as world music, folk and jazz alongside classical.
We’re not just a beautiful concert hall. We also have a welcoming café and bar situated in the crypt, a digital technology studio, a specially designed Gamelan room and meeting spaces.
The home of LSO Discovery
WHAT’S INSIDE?
LSO Discovery, the LSO’s education and community programme, opens the doors to people from all walks of life to join the inspirational musicians and music leaders of the London Symphony Orchestra. LSO St Luke’s offers a welcoming environment for participants of any age and level of experience to explore and develop musical interests and skills, enabling music-making and musical appreciation across generations. Love singing choral works? Then there’s an LSO Singing Day for you. Compose or remix your own music using the digital technology studio as part of the Digital Technology Group for 12 to 20-year-olds. Interested in world music and wanting to take up something new? Join our Community Gamelan Group and explore Balinese music in a fun group setting led by professionals. And our Concerts for Under-5s offer an opportunity for first miniature steps in music-making. There’s so much for you to explore, experience and join in with.
Find out more and read about our events at lso.co.uk/lsostlukes
6 Voice of the Cello
Voice of the Cello BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts
Thu 6 Apr 1pm BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERT
VOICE OF THE CELLO I
Brahms Cello Sonata No 2 in F major Debussy Cello Sonata Fauré Élégie; Après un rêve; Papillon Narek Hakhnazaryan cello Pavel Kolesnikov piano Thu 13 Apr 1pm BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERT
VOICE OF THE CELLO II
Barrière Sonata No 10 in G major Thomas Demenga Duo? o, Du … Ravel arr Nigel Broadbent Sonata for violin and cello Paganini Introduction and Variations on Rossini’s ‘Dal tuo stellate soglio’ Tim Hugh cello Rebecca Gilliver cello Thu 27 Apr 1pm BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERT
VOICE OF THE CELLO III
Saint-Saëns Cello Sonata No 1 in C minor Nadia Boulanger Three Pieces Fauré Cello Sonata No 2 in G minor Christian Poltéra cello Kathryn Stott piano
Thu 4 May 1pm BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERT
VOICE OF THE CELLO IV
Beethoven Cello Sonata in D major Shostakovich Cello Sonata in D minor Alban Gerhardt cello Steven Osborne piano
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‘Compared to other string instruments the cello is limitless.’ Narek Hakhnazaryan (6 Apr)
The cello is one of those instruments that seems to allow the performer to speak powerfully and directly to listeners through music. Its rich depths of sound can be soaring and singing, melancholy and passionate, and are often said to be the closest of all of the instruments to the tones and range of the human voice. This expressive power has inspired a special kind of creativity in composers for centuries. In this new series of BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts, we place the spotlight on the cello as a solo instrument for the first time, with four concerts showcasing the talents of five leading performers. To launch the series, Narek Hakhnazaryan is joined by another rising-star and recent graduate of the BBC’s New Generation Artist Scheme, pianist Pavel Kolesnikov, for a concert surveying the wide emotional scope of pieces by German and French Romantics. On 13 April, the LSO’s own Principal Cellos Tim Hugh and Rebecca Gilliver team up for a series of duos, with works that take us from the Baroque strains of Barrière to the experimental sounds of modern-day composer and cellist Thomas Demenga, via some tuneful Italian opera. Through three pieces created within a 50-year span, Christian Poltéra explores the different ways that three French composers wrote for the sumptuous tones of his instrument on 27 April. And Alban Gerhardt brings the series to a close on 4 May, with lively interplay between cello and piano from Beethoven, and impassioned intensity from Shostakovich. BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts last around an hour, and the LSO St Luke’s Café will be open before and after, so they are the perfect way to spend your lunchbreak. If you miss a performance, don’t worry, as each concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 at a later date; for broadcast dates visit bbc.co.uk/radio3.
View the full listings and buy tickets online at lso.co.uk/lunchtimeconcerts
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8  Sound Unbound
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For two days at the end of April this corner of the City will be bursting with music as the innovative Sound Unbound festival returns, giving you the chance to connect with live classical music in fresh and stimulating ways. The Barbican and its family of Resident and Associate Ensembles have packed 60 sessions into the weekend, showcasing the infinite variety of what ‘classical’ can be. Familiar and much-loved works will be mixed with new sounds from living composers who are continuing to drive the genre. You may find yourself moving from intimate performances in the round to the spatial sounds of choirs in the galleries – your expectations of how to experience classical music are sure to be challenged. LSO St Luke’s will be hosting a series of chamber sessions each afternoon and evening. Saturday shines a spotlight on the young musicians of the Guildhall School on the Orchestral Artistry scheme. This distinctive and ground-
breaking post-graduate course enables students seeking a career in orchestral playing to work alongside the LSO and develop the craft, brilliance, speed, curiosity and flexibility required of musicians today. The following day will see performances by British percussionist Joby Burgess, viol player Liam Byrne and American soprano Angel Blue singing a selection of tracks from her debut recital album Joy Alone, and the Scottish Ensemble presenting Bach’s intricate ‘Goldberg’ Variations. Over at the Barbican, the London Symphony Orchestra launches the Sunday with two blockbuster sessions celebrating John Williams’ greatest film scores, each one introduced by Williams himself in an exclusive interview screened in the hall. Other highlights across the weekend include counter-tenor Iestyn Davies, a Nonclassical Club Night, Chilly Gonzales and Britten Sinfonia, plus BBC Young Musician 2016 Sheku Kanneh-Mason and his sibling trio.
Weekend and day tickets are available at barbican.org.uk/soundunbound
@magspatten1 #SoundUnbound – brilliant. Musicians sharing their love for a piece, then playing it.
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS Sat 29 Apr, LSO St Luke’s
Sun 30 Apr, LSO St Luke’s
2.30PM SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE Bach Goldberg Variations
1.15PM JOBY BURGESS 3.15PM LIAM BYRNE
5.15PM GUILDHALL MUSICIANS Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings Arvo Pärt Summa 7.30PM GUILDHALL MUSICIANS Strauss Symphony for Wind Instruments; ‘The Happy Workshop’
5PM ANGEL BLUE Songs by Strauss, Heggie, Adolphe, Luna, Chapi and Cymbala 6.15PM SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE Bach Goldberg Variations
Sun 30 Apr 12pm & 2pm, Barbican Hall THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS Music from Superman, Jurassic Park, JFK, War Horse, E.T., Harry Potter and Star Wars London Symphony Orchestra Frank Strobel conductor All sessions subject to change
10 LSO ACADEMY
LSO Academy LSO Principal Percussion, Neil Percy, and Co-Principal Timpani, Antoine Bedewi, talk to us about the LSO Academy and of the importance of developing the next generation of players. Wed 19 Jul 7pm LSO DISCOVERY
LSO TIMPANI & PERCUSSION ACADEMY SHOWCASE For one week in July, LSO St Luke’s will be awash with talented percussion players from across the UK. As well as working together in ensembles and learning key orchestral repertoire, they will be polishing solo performances under the expert guidance of LSO musicians. Join them for this concert which showcases the fruits of their week-long study. LSO Academy is generously supported by Yamaha, Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation, David HS Hobbs, FTSE Russell in memory of David Hobbs, Derek Hill Foundation, Help Musicians UK and Rod Stafford
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Neil Percy I have been involved with the LSO Academy from the very beginning; since the Shell/LSO Scholarships, which were a perfect precursor for what we now know as the 'LSO Academy'. This year it is the turn of our Percussion Section to host the Academy and once auditions have taken place, we will have a group of some of the finest young timpani and percussion players in the country, with whom we can work intensively on every aspect of orchestral playing. It has been an immense pleasure and privilege to work with these amazingly talented young players over the years. So keen, so dedicated and so intent on playing their best at all times. We’ve also been fortunate in the past to have been able to commission large-scale percussion pieces for the final evening's concert, from such great composers as Sir Karl Jenkins, Charlie Piper and Tim Garland. This year will see more of a focus on the skills of playing in a section rather than the individual skills of performing tricky passages from the symphonic repertoire on their own. It means we can involve many more players at a time and really get the participants to think about the collective sound they make while playing in a section.
Antoine Bedewi The LSO Academy is an intensive week of playing, learning, discussion and, above all, meeting new people. We aim to take the 25 best young players from around the country and provide them with a glimpse of professional life in the LSO, with a view to boosting their own prospects of entering the profession when the time comes. The young players will work closely with the LSO timpani and percussion section, picking up new ideas and tricks of the trade. Above all, we hope it's a week of fun, inspiration and camaraderie. Taking part in the LSO Percussion Academy when I was a student helped me enormously. There’s no better way to lift your playing to the next level than for a professional to sit next to you and demonstrate what it's all about; how they do it, what to avoid and what to aim for in the years to come. At the LSO we're always on the lookout for the next batch of young players who may one day join our ranks. It’s about equipping young players with the requisite skills needed for them to branch out all over the world and make an impact musically. A healthy music scene both at home and abroad can be only a good thing, which is why as an orchestra we believe it's our duty to nurture the next generation of players as best we can.
Visit lso.co.uk/academy to find details on forthcoming LSO Academies
12 Opening Windows
Opening Windows Windows let us look inside places that might be hidden or unknown. They are an opening to somewhere else, a connection across boundaries, and a reminder that there is always more out there to be seen.
‘Her compositions cover a wide range of emotions … in many of them a quirky turn here, or an unexpectedly outrageous moment.’ Classical Music Magazine on Bushra El-Turk
lso.co.uk 020 7638 8891 13 Thu 13 Jul 7.30pm GUEST ARTISTS
SHUBBAK FESTIVAL, THE ROYAL OPERA AND ABU DHABI FESTIVAL PRESENT Bushra El-Turk Woman at Point Zero Plus music by: Nabil Benabdeljalil Bahaa El-Ansary Amir Elsaffar Nadim Husni Sabrina Mahfouz librettist Maria Koripas director
Ensemble Zar: Merit Ariane Stephanos voice Louai Alhenawi nays Milos Milivojevic accordion Raphaela Danksagmuller flutes Naomi Sato sho Carmen Troncoso recorders Hyelim Kim taegum
The Arabic word for window is shubbak, but this can also mean a network, a grid or something else that’s intertwined or woven. It has more active connotations than a pane of glass put in a wall. That’s why it’s the perfect title for our collaboration with a festival that brings London audiences and communities together with the very best in contemporary Arab culture. Because windows, really, are a way of connecting with other worlds. Every two years since 2011, the Shubbak Festival has presented over 130 artists from 18 different Arab countries in the fields of visual art, film, music, theatre, dance, literature, architecture and thought. This year, in collaboration with The Royal Opera, Abu Dhabi Festival and Snape Maltings, we present Woman at Point Zero, an opera-in-progress by
British-Lebanese composer Bushra El-Turk based on the novel by Nawal El Saadawi, at LSO St Luke’s on 13 July. Set behind prison bars we uncover a story of female oppression and the search for empowerment in the face of oppression. Based on a real story in 1970s Egypt, the theme is universal; the orchestra is formed of instruments from across the world. In the first half we encounter the music of four emerging composers from Egypt, Iraq, Morocco and Syria, who are in London for a short residency that culminates in this showcase of their music. The development phase of Woman at Point Zero has been commissioned by Shubbak with Abu Dhabi Festival with support from The Royal Opera and Snape Maltings and PRS for Music Foundation. Additional support from British Council for presenting Bahaa El-Ansary.
14 Northern Lights
Northern Lights
LSO Discovery Free Friday Lunchtime Concerts The northernmost countries in Europe are home to some of the most breath-taking landscapes on earth – countries known for their expanses of wilderness and unspoilt forest, meandering fjords, impressive aurora borealis displays, and endless summer days. It is also a region that’s steeped in folklore and a rich musical tradition, where some of the most celebrated composers have called home. This summer, you can join us at LSO Discovery’s series of Free Friday Lunchtime Concerts, Northern Lights, as we journey through the many forms of music from the lands of midnight sun. The series begins by exploring traditional folk song, with students from the Guildhall School performing music from across Russia, Estonia and Scandinavia (5 May & 9 June), countries where folk tunes and ‘runo-songs’ have been part of the musical tradition for centuries.
In the final two concerts of the series, we venture into the realm of music for strings. Carl Nielsen is often thought of as the greatest Danish composer, and his music is brought to life on 23 June as Guildhall School students perform one of his most popular works, his First String Quartet. And who better to bring the series to a close on 7 July than Finnish LSO Double Bass Jani Pensola, who, alongside special guests, will guide us through a vibrant array of music from his home country.
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FREE FRIDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERTS FOR EVERYONE OVER 5 Fri 5 May 12.30–1.15pm
Fri 23 Jun 12.30–1.15pm
Guildhall School singers Rachel Leach presenter
Nielsen String Quartet No 1
Musicians from the Guildhall School explore songs from Russian masters including Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Rimsky-Korsakov.
Guildhall School musicians Rachel Leach presenter A fresh take on the first of Nielsen’s late-Romantic string quartets, influenced by the music of Denmark.
Fri 9 Jun 12.30–1.15pm
Fri 7 Jul 12.30–1.15pm
Guildhall School musicians Rachel Leach presenter
Jani Pensola & Friends Rachel Leach presenter
Guildhall school singer Mirjam Mesak performs a selection of songs from Estonia and Scandinavia.
LSO double bass player Jani Pensola (pictured above) and colleagues from the LSO explore music from Jani’s Finnish homeland.
Free entry, just turn up. Browse all our events online at lso.co.uk/lsostlukes
16 Showcasing Young Musicians
Showcasing Young Musicians In the summer, the LSO and many of our partner youth organisations showcase the music-making of young people. For participants, this is the culmination of months of hard work, and a chance for the audience to be inspired by the creativity, skill and commitment on display. LSO On Track, our partnership with Music Education Hubs in East London, brings a free performance by young instrumentalists to the Barbican foyers on 22 June. Afterwards audiences can enjoy the evening LSO Discovery Showcase in the Barbican Hall, inspired by traditional music from different countries and featuring performances by young people and the LSO’s Community Gamelan Group. The LSO Discovery Choir takes a central role in Andrew Norman’s new children’s opera, A Trip to the Moon, on 9 July. They appear alongside professional soloists, Guildhall School musicians, the LSO Community Choir and the LSO under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, cast as a community on the moon. Many of the LSO’s musicians played in the National Youth Orchestra as teenagers, and we have a long-standing relationship with the NYO, hosting their concerts at the Barbican and working together on Inspire Days. On 9 April the NYO performs at the Barbican, joined by cellist Sheku KannehMason, winner of BBC Young Musician 2016. The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain also appears in our season at the Barbican for the first time this year. Their talented young brass players are joined by Peter Moore, LSO Co-Principal Trombone, and Philip Cobb, LSO Principal Trumpet, both alumni of the NYBBGB, for a concert on 22 April.
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LSO AT THE BARBICAN Thu 22 Jun 2017 7.30pm, Barbican Hall LSO DISCOVERY
LSO DISCOVERY SHOWCASE: FROM THE EAST Elim Chan conductor Howard Moody conductor LSO On Track Next Generation LSO Community Gamelan Group London Symphony Orchestra LSO Discovery celebrates the influence of music hailing from the east – with Balinese Gamelan, Kodály’s take on traditional folk tunes,
and music from slightly closer to home with young musicians from East London performing Howard Moody’s Crimson River side-by-side with the LSO. 6.45pm LSO On Track Takeover, Barbican Foyer Talented young musicians from East London come together to present an unforgettable performance in the Barbican Centre’s unique foyer spaces, produced with the LSO On Track Music Education Hub partnership. Ticket information at lso.co.uk/whatson LSO On Track Next Generation is supported by Mizuho and the Hedley Foundation Elim Chan’s appearance with the LSO is generously supported by Reignwood
NATIONAL YOUTH ENSEMBLES Sun 9 Apr 2017 7pm, Barbican Hall BARBICAN CONCERT
NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN Shostakovich Cello Concerto No 1 Revueltas Night of the Mayas Shostakovich Symphony No 5 Carlos Miguel Prieto conductor Sheku Kanneh-Mason cello National Youth Orchestra
of Great Britain Sat 22 Apr 2017 7.30pm, Barbican Hall BARBICAN CONCERT
NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND OF GREAT BRITAIN Works by Elgar Howarth, Edward Gregson and Bramwell Tovey Bramwell Tovey conductor Philip Cobb trumpet Peter Moore trombone
Browse our Barbican events and buy tickets online at lso.co.uk/whatson
National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Sun 9 Jul 2017 7pm, Barbican Hall BARBICAN CONCERT
A TRIP TO THE MOON Andrew Norman A Trip to the Moon (UK premiere, LSO/Berlin Philharmonic/ LA Philharmonic co-commission)
Sibelius Symphony No 2 Sir Simon Rattle conductor London Symphony Orchestra Guildhall School musicians LSO Discovery Choirs LSO Community Choir
18 Ambassadors
Ambassadors Rosaline and Fotini speak to us about their roles as community ambassadors and share why they chose to become champions for LSO St Luke’s.
Meet Rosaline Ogunro Music has enormous benefits for the body and spirit. I find that it unburdens, soothes and heals my mind. That’s why I decided to join the LSO Community Choir in 2003. Soon after, I became a community ambassador because I wanted everyone in my community to experience what I was enjoying: great music by arguably the best, most accessible Orchestra in the world. I speak with pride about the LSO whenever I can and people often ask me in awe: ‘you mean you are involved with the London Symphony Orchestra?’. I tell them that they too can get involved in various ways. By visiting the
beautiful LSO St Luke's or by joining the many Discovery projects available to members of the community. The toddlers have their ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’, there are the LSO Discovery and Community Choirs, Singing Days for those who love singing choral works, the Community Gamelan Group that plays Balinese music, Free Friday Lunchtime Concerts and the Digital Technology Group for young people who like to make and mix their own music. There really is something for everyone.
Rosaline’s Concert Choice Fri 9 Jun 12.30–1.15pm LSO DISCOVERY
FREE FRIDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERT: NORTHERN LIGHTS Guildhall School singer Mirjam Mesak performing a selection of songs from Estonia and Scandinavia.
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Meet Fotini Vergottis Having been a member of the LSO Community Choir since its formation in 2003, I decided to act as an ambassador for LSO St Luke's. I wanted to spread the word for the fantastic venue and all the music events it offers to the local community and further afield, so that people take advantage of this cultural gem in their midst. It is a privilege to be an ambassador for both LSO St Luke's and the LSO. I particularly enjoy the ‘Into the LSO’ nights, which are chosen for the local community with discounted tickets and a pre-concert get together. For some of them it
Fotini’s Event Choice Sun 4 Jun 10am–5pm, Barbican and LSO St Luke’s BARBICAN & LSO ST LUKE’S
DISCOVERY DAY TCHAIKOVSKY
Watch an LSO morning rehearsal of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 6 (‘The Pathétique’) with LSO Conductor Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas, followed by a fascinating talk on Tchaikovsky and chamber music.
is their first encounter with this world-class orchestra so their enthusiastic and appreciative feedback makes my involvement as an ambassador worthwhile. Our rehearsals for the forthcoming children’s opera A Trip to the Moon will start in April. The LSO Community Choir as well as the LSO Discovery Choirs are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to perform the UK premiere of this specially commissioned opera on 9 July, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.
20 EVENT LISTINGS
Listings t n e v E 2017 Summer ALWAYS ON WEEKLY EVENTS AT LSO ST LUKE’S
Mondays during term time
Mondays during term time 6.30–8.30pm
LSO DISCOVERY
SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL
LSO SING
LSO COMMUNITY CHOIR †
10–10.45am Tiny tots 11–11.45am Toddlers 12–12.45pm Infants Fun morning music sessions for early years are a great way to introduce little ones to the world of music-making. With no more than 15 children per session, your child will receive individual attention as well as taking part in age-appropriate group activities. £100 per term (10 sessions) To find out more email earlyyears@lso.co.uk
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Mondays during term time 4–7pm LSO DISCOVERY
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Now in its 14th year, the LSO Community Choir is an integral part of LSO St Luke’s. Conducted by David Lawrence, the Choir rehearses in the beautiful Jerwood Hall once a week and performs regularly with professionals, including the London Symphony Orchestra. £45 per term To find out more email andra.east@lso.co.uk
FOR 12 TO 20-YEAR-OLDS
Our Digital Technology Group offers a space where young musicians and producers can record, produce and mix their music. Develop your sound with access to studio equipment, rehearsal spaces and tutorials. Free To find out more email chris.rogers@lso.co.uk or phone 020 7566 2878
SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL
The Digital Technology Group is generously supported by LSO Friends and the Slaughter and May Charitable Trust
Mondays during term time 5.30–8.30pm
Mondays during term time
LSO DISCOVERY
LSO SING
COMMUNITY GAMELAN GROUP Experience the hypnotic and inclusive world of Balinese gamelan in weekly music-making sessions. Play gongs, metallophones, drums and bamboo flutes, with professional players and take part in regular performance opportunities.
LSO DISCOVERY CHOIRS † 4–5pm Junior Choir 5–6.15pm Senior Choir The Choirs encourage young people of all abilities to find their voice and experience the joys of singing. Applications for the 2017/18 school year open in Spring 2017.
£7 (£5 concessions) per week
Annual membership £45
To find out more email natalie.chivers@lso.co.uk
To find out more email youthchoir@lso.co.uk
LSO COMMUNITY CHOIR
Dates available on enquiry LSO DISCOVERY
LSO CREATE WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES FOR ADULTS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS
Participants take the spotlight in these interactive workshops that introduce adults with learning disabilities and their supporters to creative music-making, developing skills in an informal, relaxed environment. To find out more email lydia.nickalls@lso.co.uk LSO Create is generously supported by The City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust
† LSO Sing is supported by the Sir Siegmund Warburg’s Voluntary Settlement, John S Cohen Foundation, LSO Friends, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Patron’s Fund, Barnett & Sylvia Shine No 2 Charitable Trust and Slaughter and May
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APRIL 2017 Sat 1 Apr 7.30pm
Fri 7 Apr 12.30–1.15pm
Thu 13 Apr 1pm
GUEST ARTIST
LSO DISCOVERY
BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERT
MELOS SINFONIA Sibelius Tapiola Julian Anderson In lieblicher Bläue Schubert Symphony No 3 Oliver Zeffman conductor Martyn Jackson violin Julian Anderson guest speaker Melos Sinfonia Tickets
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Sun 2 Apr 1pm & 7.30pm GUEST ARTIST
CAMDEN MUSIC SERVICE 1pm
FREE FRIDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERT: MUSIC FROM THE HEART OF EUROPE FOR EVERYONE OVER 5
Explore music from across Europe, including bassoon and piano sonatas by Hindemith and others, with LSO Principal Bassoon Daniel Jemison and pianist John Flinders in this lunchtime concert. Daniel Jemison bassoon John Flinders piano Rachel Leach presenter
VOICE OF THE CELLO II
Barrière Sonata No 10 in G major Thomas Demenga Duo? o, Du … Ravel arr Nigel Broadbent Sonata for violin and cello Paganini Introduction and Variations on Rossini’s ‘Dal tuo stellate soglio’ Tim Hugh cello Rebecca Gilliver cello Tickets
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Broadcast Thu 11 May 1pm
Free entry, no ticket required
Thu 20 Apr 10am–1.30pm & 2.30–6pm
Sun 9 Apr 11am–4.30pm
LSO DISCOVERY
LSO SING
PANUFNIK COMPOSERS WORKSHOP
7.30pm
Bruckner Te Deum & Motets
François-Xavier Roth conductor London Symphony Orchestra
A performance by Camden Youth Jazz and London Youth Folk Ensemble
Simon Halsey conductor
A performance by the Camden Concert Band and Camden Training Orchestra
Tickets
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Thu 6 Apr 1pm BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERT
VOICE OF THE CELLO I
Brahms Cello Sonata No 2 in F major Debussy Cello Sonata Fauré Élégiel Après un rêve; Papillon
CHORAL SINGING DAY †
Come and spend the day getting to know Bruckner’s Te Deum (Peter’s Edition), Locus Iste and Ave Maria ahead of the LSO’s performance of the Te Deum with Bernard Haitink. Tickets
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The day will be accompanied by piano. Some sight-singing ability is required.
Free entry, booking essential
Narek Hakhnazaryan cello Pavel Kolesnikov piano Tickets
Six composers on the Panufnik Composers Scheme (Benjamin Ashby, Amy Bryce, Gonçalo Gato, Daniel Kidane, Liam Mattison and Donghoon Shin) have their new pieces workshopped by the LSO, plus a chance to hear two works from the previous year’s participants (Patrick Giguère and Ewan Campbell) which will receive Barbican premieres in the LSO’s main concert season.
Generously supported by Lady Hamlyn and The Helen Hamlyn Trust
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Broadcast Tue 9 May 1pm
NAREK HAKHNAZARYAN (6 APR)
PANUFNIK SCHEME COMPOSERS (20 APR)
All events take place in the Jerwood Hall at LSO St Luke’s unless otherwise stated. For full booking and ticket information, see page 28.
22 EVENT LISTINGS
APRIL/MAY 2017 Sun 21 May 6.30pm, Trafalgar Square
Thu 27 Apr 1pm
Fri 5 May 12.30–1.15pm
BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERT
VOICE OF THE CELLO III
LSO DISCOVERY
OUTDOOR CONCERT
Saint-Saëns Cello Sonata No 1 in C minor Nadia Boulanger Three Pieces Fauré Cello Sonata No 2 in G minor
FOR EVERYONE OVER 5
BMW LSO OPEN AIR CLASSICS Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini; Non Allegro from ‘Symphonic Dances’; Allegro molto, Adagio and Allegro; Vivace from ‘Symphony No 2’ Valery Gergiev conductor Behzod Abduraimov piano London Symphony Orchestra LSO On Track Young Musicians Guildhall School Musicians
Christian Poltéra cello Kathryn Stott piano Tickets
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Broadcast Wed 10 May 1pm
Thu 4 May 1pm BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERT
VOICE OF THE CELLO IV
Ensure early arrival to secure free entry to the square. No glass or furniture allowed.
Beethoven Cello Sonata in D major Shostakovich Cello Sonata in D minor
See lso.co.uk/openair for details
Alban Gerhardt cello Steven Osborne piano Tickets
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Broadcast Fri 12 May 1pm
FREE FRIDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERT: NORTHERN LIGHTS Guildhall School musicians Rachel Leach presenter Musicians from the Guildhall School explore songs from Russian masters including Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Rimsky-Korsakov. Free entry, no ticket required Fri 5 May 7.30pm GUEST ARTIST
FAUST CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Schumann Overture: Hermann und Dorothea Schumann Cello Concerto in A minor Brahms Serenade No 1 in D major Mark Austin conductor Guy Johnston cello Faust Chamber Orchestra Tickets
SOUND UNBOUND 2017 The perfect festival for lovers of live music returns. Sound Unbound: the Barbican Classical Weekender showcases an infinite variety of music, performed in venues across the Barbican and beyond. Of the 60 concerts, LSO St Luke’s hosts seven chamber sessions.
Sat 29 Apr 7.30pm SOUND UNBOUND
ORCHESTRAL ARTISTRY Strauss Symphony for Wind Instruments, ‘The Happy Workshop’ Andrew Marriner director Guildhall Orchestral Artistry musicians
Sat 29 Apr 2.30pm SOUND UNBOUND
SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE Bach arr Sikovetsky Goldberg Variations Trio from Scottish Ensemble
Sun 30 Apr 1.15pm SOUND UNBOUND
JOBY BURGESS Programme includes works by Tansy Davies and Nicole Lizée
SOUND UNBOUND
ANGEL BLUE
Songs by Strauss, Heggie, Adolphe, Luna, Chapi and Cymbala Angel Blue soprano James Baillieu piano Sun 30 Apr 6.15pm SOUND UNBOUND
SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE
Sun 30 Apr 3.15pm
Bach arr Sikovetsky Goldberg Variations Trio from Scottish Ensemble
ORCHESTRAL ARTISTRY
SOUND UNBOUND
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings Arvo Pärt Summa
Programme to be announced
Laurent Quénelle director/violin Guildhall Orchestral Artistry and LSO musicians
Sun 30 Apr 5pm
Joby Burgess percussion Sat 29 Apr 5.15pm SOUND UNBOUND
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LIAM BYRNE
Liam Byrne viol
Tickets
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Advance sales only – no tickets on the door All sessions subject to change
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MAY/JUNE/JULY 2017 Fri 26 May 8pm
Fri 9 Jun 12.30–1.15pm
GUEST ARTISTS
LSO DISCOVERY
BING & RUTH Carving out a space that sits somewhere between the rich textures of ambient electronic music and the explorative compositional styles of minimalist pioneers like Steve Reich and Arvo Pärt, Brooklyn ensemble Bing & Ruth introduce their new album No Home of the Mind. Tickets
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FREE FRIDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERT: NORTHERN LIGHTS FOR EVERYONE OVER 5
Guildhall School musicians Rachel Leach presenter Guildhall School singer Mirjam Mesak performs a selection of songs from Estonia and Scandinavia. Free entry, no ticket required
Produced by the Barbican
Sat 10 Jun 6.30pm Sat 27 May 7pm LSO DISCOVERY
SOUNDHUB ASSOCIATES CONCERT LSO Soundhub offers composers a flexible environment to explore, collaborate and experiment, and this showcase gives an opportunity to hear works from some of the Associate composers. Tickets
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GUEST ARTISTS
LONDON LAWYERS’ MUSIC SUMMER CONCERT Bizet Te deum Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Gershwin An American in Paris Poulenc Gloria
MiSST Fanfare Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (excerpt)
Tickets
Dr Dimitri Scarlato conductor Nicola Benedetti violin Music in Secondary Schools Trust Orchestra and ensembles
Sun 2 Jul 7pm
Tickets
Brahms Sextet in G major Webern Langsamer Satz Strauss Metamorphosen
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Fri 16 Jun 12.30–1.15pm LSO DISCOVERY
Free entry, booking essential Email alan.read@lso.co.uk or call 020 7382 2539
GUEST ARTIST
London Lawyers’ Orchestra London Lawyers’ Choir
LSO DISCOVERY
Summer half term music-making day for young people with learning disabilities aged 10 to 25 years and their siblings. Play musical instruments and jam with other young people, musicians from the LSO and guests.
Sat 24 Jun 7.30pm
MUSIC IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS TRUST
Thu 1 Jun 10.30am–3.30pm
MAKE MUSIC DAY
NICOLA BENEDETTI (10 JUN)
MUSICAL STORYTELLING FOR UNDER-5S LSO musicians Vanessa King presenter LSO musicians retell a children’s story through music. Dance and sing your way through the concert as the instruments bring the tale to life! Tickets
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GUEST ARTIST
OCULI ENSEMBLE
Charlotte Scott, Emma Parker violins Jon Thorne, Simon Tandree violas Nathaniel Boyd, Pau Codina cello Stacey Watton double bass Tickets
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Fri 7 Jul 12.30–1.15pm LSO DISCOVERY
FREE FRIDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERT: NORTHERN LIGHTS
Sun 4 Jun 10am–5pm, Barbican and LSO St Luke’s
Fri 23 Jun 12.30–1.15pm
FOR EVERYONE OVER 5
LSO DISCOVERY
BARBICAN & LSO ST LUKE’S
FREE FRIDAY LUNCHTIME CONCERT: NORTHERN LIGHTS
Jani Pensola & Friends Rachel Leach presenter
LSO DISCOVERY DAY: TCHAIKOVSKY Watch an LSO morning rehearsal of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 6 (‘Pathétique’) alongside Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto and Stravinsky’s Scènes de ballet with LSO Conductor Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas, followed by a fascinating talk on Tchaikovsky and chamber music at LSO St Luke’s. Tickets
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FOR EVERYONE OVER 5
Nielsen String Quartet No 1
LSO double bass player Jani Pensola and colleagues from the LSO explore music from Jani’s Finnish homeland. Free entry, no ticket required
Guildhall School musicians Rachel Leach presenter A fresh take on the first of Nielsen’s late-Romantic string quartets, influenced by the music of Denmark.
All events take place in the Jerwood Hall at LSO St Luke’s unless otherwise stated.
Free entry, no ticket required
For full booking and ticket information, see page 28.
24 EVENT LISTINGS
JULY 2017 Sat 8 Jul 7.30pm
Wed 19 Jul 7pm
Sun 30 Jul 7.30pm
GUEST ARTIST
LSO DISCOVERY
LSO DISCOVERY
Korngold The Private Lives of Elisabeth and Essex Gershwin Cuban Overture Copland A Lincoln Portrait
For one week in July, LSO St Luke’s will be awash with talented percussion players from across the UK. As well as working together in ensembles and learning key orchestral repertoire, they will be polishing solo performances under the expert guidance of LSO musicians. Join them for this concert which showcases the fruits of their week-long study.
THAMES YOUTH ORCHESTRA SUMMER CONCERT
Simon Ferris conductor Thames Youth Orchestra Tickets
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Thu 13 Jul 7.30pm GUEST ARTIST
SHUBBAK FESTIVAL / THE ROYAL OPERA / ABU DHABI FESTIVAL PRESENT: Bushra El-Turk Woman at Point Zero
LSO TIMPANI & PERCUSSION ACADEMY SHOWCASE
Tickets
Ensemble Zar: Merit Ariane Stephanos voice Louai Alhenawi nays Milos Milivojevic accordion Raphaela Danksagmuller flutes Naomi Sato sho Carmen Troncoso recorders Hyelim Kim taegum Tickets £15 Available from roh.org.uk/events The development phase of Woman at Point Zero has been commissioned by Shubbak with Abu Dhabi Festival with support from The Royal Opera and Snape Maltings and PRS for Music Foundation. Additional support from British Council for presenting Bahaa El-Ansary.
LSO Soundhub composer James Pickering curates an evening of music in collaboration with members of the LSO St Luke’s Digital Technology Group. Tickets
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Digital Technology Group is generously supported by Slaughter and May Charitable Trust and LSO Friends
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LSO Academy is generously supported by Yamaha, Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation, David HS Hobbs, FTSE Russell in memory of David Hobbs, Derek Hill Foundation, Help Musicians UK and Rod Stafford
Plus music by Nabil Benabdeljalil, Bahaa El-Ansary, Amir Elsaffar and Nadim Husni Sabrina Mahfouz librettist Maria Koripas director
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP CONCERT
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP (30 JUL)
INSIDE OUT Join us on the front lawn of LSO St Luke’s as we begin our outdoor minifestival of short Friday concerts. With a variety of musical styles from across the globe, there’s something for everyone! Take a break from the office. Pack a picnic, bring your family and friends and enjoy the summer sunshine with some music in the beautiful surroundings of LSO St Luke’s. Please note that all performance are weather permitting and may be subject to change.
Fri 16 Jun 1.15pm–2pm, LSO St Luke’s Front Lawn
Fri 28 Jul 1.15pm–2pm, LSO St Luke’s Front Lawn
INSIDE OUT
INSIDE OUT
For the first instalment of our outdoor concert series, Harriette Ashcroft brings along her band for a family-friendly lunchtime full of sing-along songs for parents and children alike.
Our exciting series of outdoor music events ends with master drummer and composer Siemy Di, a veteran of the world fusion circuit who brings his trio to the front lawn of LSO St Luke’s for a roaring blend of African and Indian percussion.
MRS H & HER SING-A-LONG BAND
Fri 21 Jul 1.15pm–2pm, LSO St Luke’s Front Lawn INSIDE OUT
GAMELAN LILA CITA Come and sample the sounds of Bali as Gamelan Lila Cita bring their Balinese percussion instruments into the open air. Bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic on the grass in the scenic surroundings of LSO St Luke’s.
SIEMY DI
Free entry, no booking required
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AT THE BARBICAN For ticket details and to book visit lso.co.uk/whatson Sun 30 Apr 12pm & 2pm
Sat 3 Jun 2.30pm
Thu 22 Jun 7.30pm
SOUND UNBOUND
LSO DISCOVERY
LSO DISCOVERY
THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS Music from Superman, Jurassic Park, JFK, War Horse, E.T., Harry Potter and Star Wars
FAMILY CONCERT: FIREBIRD Elim Chan conductor Rachel Leach presenter London Symphony Orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra Frank Strobel conductor
This summer’s LSO Discovery Family Concert is based on Stravinsky’s iconic ballet, The Firebird, and also features a new piece by Rachel Leach
Tickets
Supported by LSO Friends
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Advance sales only – no tickets on the door
Elim Chan’s appearance with the LSO is generously supported by Reignwood
For crèche information and pre-concert foyer activities visit lso.co.uk/families
LSO DISCOVERY SHOWCASE FROM THE EAST Elim Chan conductor Howard Moody conductor * Andy Channing artistic leader † LSO On Track Next Generation * LSO Community Gamelan Group † London Symphony Orchestra LSO Discovery celebrates the influence of music hailing from the east – with Balinese Gamelan, Kodály’s take on traditional folk tunes, and music from slightly closer to home with young musicians from East London performing Howard Moody’s Crimson River side-by-side with the LSO. 6.45pm LSO On Track Takeover Talented young musicians from East London come together to present an unforgettable performance in the Barbican Centre’s unique foyer spaces, produced by the LSO On Track Music Education Hub partnership. LSO On Track Next Generation is supported by Mizuho and the Hedley Foundation Elim Chan’s appearance with the LSO is generously supported by Reignwood
26 OUR VENUE
LSO ST LUKE’S CAFÉ LSO St Luke’s runs an in-house Bar and Café service, offering a selection of hot and cold drinks including a well-stocked bar, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and pastries for one hour before the start of most concerts and again during the interval. Our Bar and Café Manager Stuart Connery and his team look forward to meeting you – come down to the Café during your next visit and look out for the latest special offers!
ACCESS
You can get this Guide in large print, audio and electronic format. Call 020 7490 3939 or email access@lso.co.uk. HEARING FACILITY We have personal receivers for use with or without a hearing aid in the Jerwood Hall and Clore Gamelan Room. Please call 020 7490 3939 to reserve a personal receiver in advance of your visit as numbers are limited.
MEMBERSHIP Visitors who have joined the Barbican Access Membership scheme can inform us of their access requirements, received information in alternative formats and may be eligible for reductions on tickets. Contact the Barbican Box Office or visit barbican.org.uk.
SUPPORT OUR WORK MAKE MUSIC MATTER Thanks to our funders – and through your valued support – we are able to offer many LSO Discovery activities at little or no cost to participants. For us to continue to thrive and offer inspiring opportunities to over 60,000 participants every year, the London Symphony Orchestra seeks additional support from companies, individuals, charitable trusts and foundations. Your contribution means that our investment in music education can grow and ensures that LSO St Luke’s, the UBS and LSO Music Education Centre, remains at the heart of the local community. To find out more about how you can help email philip.chandler@lso.co.uk, visit lso.co.uk/supportus or call 020 7588 1116. The London Symphony Orchestra is a registered charity in England No 232391.
HIRE LSO ST LUKE’S
YOUR EVENT
Located on Old Street, a short walk from the bustling Silicon Roundabout, LSO St Luke’s offers the convenience of a City location with the wow-factor of a unique heritage space.
With an excellent range of caterers, flexible layouts, great acoustics, a sophisticated technical infrastructure and experienced technical staff, LSO St Luke’s is a highly versatile space that can cater for any event. Here are just a few of the things that we do:
Original 18th-century architecture blends with contemporary features to create a stunning setting in this Grade I-listed church. Natural light floods in through large panoramic windows and the view of the atmospheric London plane trees outside complements the exposed brickwork. From award ceremonies to conferences, dinners, drinks and wedding receptions, we will help you deliver an inspiring event and ensure everything runs smoothly until the very last guest has left.
CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS SEMINARS AND TRAINING AWARD CEREMONIES GALA DINNERS CHRISTMAS PARTIES WEDDING RECEPTIONS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PERFORMANCES REHEARSALS AND RECORDINGS FILMING AND TELEVISION WINE TASTING EXHIBITIONS Call 020 7566 2871 or email lsostlukes@lso.co.uk to find out how we can help turn your ideas into reality.
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28 INFORMATION Our Venue
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LSO St Luke’s, UBS and LSO Music Education Centre 161 Old Street, London EC1V 9NG CHISW ELL S TREE T
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HOW TO FIND LSO ST LUKE’S
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LSO St Luke’s is situated on Old Street, in the heart of central London. It is easy to get to by public transport. For details of parking, bus routes and train stations, visit lso.co.uk/yourvisit
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TICKET PRICES Tickets A BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts £12 (£10 concession) + booking fee Tickets B LSO Discovery Days £20 (£15 concessions) + booking fee Afternoon only (from 2.30pm) £14 Tickets C LSO Singing Days £20 (£15 concessions) + booking fee includes music hire Afternoon spectator £5 Tickets D LSO Soundhub Concert LSO Timpani & Percussion Academy Showcase LSO Digital Technology Group £7 (£5 concessions) + booking fee Tickets E Storytelling for under-5s £3 children, £5 adults + booking fee under 12 months free (no ticket required) Tickets F Melos Sinfonia £20 (£5 concessions) + booking fee Tickets G Camden Music Service Single concert £8 (£4 concessions) + booking fee Both concerts £12 (£6 concessions) + booking fee
FEES & HOW TO BOOK Tickets H Faust Chamber Orchestra £18 £21 £25 (£10 concessions & students) + booking fee Tickets J Bing & Ruth £15 + booking fee Tickets K London Lawyers’ Orchestra and Choir £20 + booking fee Tickets L Oculi Ensemble £14 (£10 concessions) + booking fee Tickets M Thames Youth Orchestra £18 (£12 concessions) + booking fee Tickets N Sound Unbound Weekend and Day Passes available, advance sales only – no tickets on the door. Visit barbican.org.uk/ soundunbound for more details and to book.
lso.co.uk (£0.60 booking fee per transaction) 020 7638 8891 (£0.70 booking fee per transaction) Open 10am–8pm Mon–Sat, 11am–8pm Sun In person at the Barbican Advance Box Office, Silk Street entrance (no booking fee) Open 10am–9pm Mon–Sat, 12–9pm Sun and Bank Holidays Latecomers are normally admitted during a suitable break in the performance. On occasion, this may not be possible once the performance has started. Some performances are unsuitable for babies and young children; customers are advised to check before booking. Children under 16 must be closely supervised by an adult. Concession ticket prices apply to wheelchair users, disabled patrons, over-60s, students, under-18s and the unemployed. All bookings and discounts are subject to availability.
All events are promoted by, or in association with, the LSO.
LSO ST LUKE’S PRINCIPAL DONORS
Tickets O Music in Secondary Schools Trust £15 (£12 concessions) + booking fee
Print Tradewinds | Photography Crooked Door Images, Rhys Frampton, Olivia Hemingway, Jo Johnson, Kevin Leighton, Ranald Mackechnie, Matt Stuart
LSO is funded by Arts Council England in partnership with the City of London Corporation, which also provides the Orchestra’s permanent home at the Barbican.