D A N C E / P E R F O R M A N C E / L I T E R AT U R E
FES TI VA L S / MUSIC / V ISUA L A R TS
HIGHLIGHTS
October / November / December
Welcome 2
Over the next three months, Southbank Centre presents no fewer than seven festivals, bringing together artists and experts for days full of music, performance and debate. Now in its fourth year, our Being A Man festival invites you to join the discussion about how masculinity shapes lives, with a variety of talks and activities for men and boys. China Changing Festival offers culture from the Middle Kingdom in the heart of London, giving you fresh insights into an extraordinary country. At London Literature Festival, an exciting lineup of activists, leaders and visionaries testify to the world-changing potential of books and writing in troubled times. Throughout 2017, we’ve sampled the delights of the Nordic way of life with Nordic Matters and looked into art inspired by spiritual questioning in Belief and Beyond Belief: get involved before the end of the year. EFG London Jazz Festival fills our venues with jams from the heroes of the genre throughout November. Finally, Wintertime offers a warm welcome as the nights draw in, with our famous market, family shows and Vintage New Year’s Eve party. As ever, there are music, dance, performance and literature events for every taste throughout the quarter, plus a new commission from David Batchelor to mark the reopening of the restored Hayward Gallery. We look forward to seeing you soon. Jude Kelly CBE, Artistic Director
Being A Man Friday 24 – Sunday 26 November
This year’s Being a Man tackles the age-old question, ‘what makes a man?’ Packed with debates and workshops, it takes a closer look at the challenges of being a man in the 21st century.
Beating the bullies
Half of young people in the UK have experienced being bullied, and young boys are twice as likely to bully than girls (The Annual Bullying Survey 2016). Why, and what can be done to break this pattern? Friday 24 November, 2pm
From Grime to Classical: Men and Music Our panel ask what role music plays in shaping male identity, and how particular genres can transform the expectations we set for ourselves. Friday 24 November, 3.30pm
How to be a superman
Ever feel frustrated by problems you see around you? If so, come along to our session for boys aged 7 to 10 on making the change you want to see. Saturday 25 November, 12 noon and Sunday 26 November, 2pm Kayo Chingonyi
Why are most terrorists men?
Many terrorist attacks are committed by men who have histories of domestic violence. Is the common link toxic masculinity? A panel of experts debates. Saturday 25 November, 1.15pm
Robert Webb: How Not To Be A Boy
Join comedian and author Robert Webb for a frank and funny conversation about not living by the rules of masculinity, on the publication of his new memoir. Saturday 25 November, 2.30pm
What makes a man?
What are the initiation rituals that boys are expected to fulfil in order to become a man? We seek answers to these questions with a panel that includes artists Mahtab Hussain and Kayo Chingonyi. Sunday 26 November, 4.30pm Festival 3
Classical Music 4 Series
Welcome to a new season of classical music at Southbank Centre. As ever, we present a vital selection of orchestral music, chamber concerts and solo recitals featuring world-class talent. Our Resident Orchestras
Southbank Centre is home to four Resident Orchestras. Between them they give around 100 concerts here each year, from the Baroque to the brand new. Philharmonia Orchestra London Philharmonic Orchestra London Sinfonietta The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
This is just a sample of our upcoming classical music concerts: for more, see our Classical Guide or visit southbankcentre.co.uk/classical
Alice Sara Ott performs Grieg and Liszt on 17 Oct 2017 as part of International Piano Series
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Handel’s Semele
The orchestra teams up with exciting young soprano Louise Alder for this performance of Handel’s provocative opera Semele. Enjoy extraordinary arias and probably the best chorus music in any of Handel’s operas. Wednesday 18 October, 7pm
International Piano Series: Leif Ove Andsnes
Described by The New York Times as ‘a pianist of magisterial elegance,’ Andsnes has assembled a programme of Sibelius, Chopin and Beethoven as part of Southbank Centre’s year-long focus on the Nordic regions, Nordic Matters. Tuesday 31 October, 7.30pm
International Orchestra Series: Australian Chamber Orchestra
Southbank Centre Artist-in-Residence Pierre-Laurent Aimard performs with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. They present conductor Richard Tognetti’s arrangements of masterworks by JS Bach and Shostakovich alongside Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.15 and Tchaikovsky’s sunny Souvenir. Friday 3 November, 7.30pm
Anne Page, organ
The eighteen fugues which comprise Bach’s last work include some of his most ingenious inventions. Southbank Centre welcomes Anne Page back to Royal Festival Hall to tackle this emotional odyssey on the organ. Tuesday 21 November, 7.30pm
Philharmonia Orchestra - Esa-Pekka Salonen: Mahler 9
Mahler’s last completed work journeys through a country waltz and frantic Rondoburleske, eventually opening out onto the spacious, hymn-like plain of the final movement. Thursday 30 November, 7.30pm
London Sinfonietta - Stockhausen: Trans
Oliver Knussen conducts an all-Stockhausen programme, as the orchestra celebrates a composer who has played a key part in it’s history. Trans came to Stockhausen in a dream, and is every bit as dream-like in performance. Wednesday 6 December, 7.30pm
China Changing Festival Saturday 7 October
At this international festival we showcase contemporary China, and its creative connection with the UK, through cutting-edge art and culture, performance, music and debate.
Little Soldier Zhang Ga
Women, China and the Two-Child Policy
Saturday 7 October, 12 noon and 3.30pm
Saturday 7 October, 1pm
Discover the uplifting tale of one boy’s solidarity and spirit in the fact of conflict. Created by the director of War Horse, this family tale is told through puppetry and physical theatre.
6 Festival
How does the new two-child policy affect women’s lives? Will it change the balance of gender in China? Kicking off with an update from WOW – Women of the World Beijing, our panel discusses the impact.
Julia Cheng
Dance Double Bill: Julia Cheng and Si Rawlinson
Wu-shu martial arts and waacking bring inner battles to life in Julia Cheng’s solo contemporary dance piece. Si Rawlinson draws on breaking, contemporary dance and Chinese calligraphy to adumbrate the struggle between state and citizen. Saturday 7 October, 5pm
China Changing Festival Keynote
Hung Huang is often referred to as ‘China’s Oprah Winfrey’. She speaks to The Guardian’s former China Correspondent Tania Branigan about her life and work and the role of the media in contemporary China. Saturday 7 October, 5.30pm
‘This day of continuous activity brings to London an exciting range of culture and ideas from, inspired by and influenced by the energy of contemporary China’. Rachel Harris, Festival Curator
SINK
Question freedom, identity and history in a play based on the story of writer Lao She. Given the title of People’s Artist early in his career, he was deemed a public enemy during the Cultural Revolution. Saturday 7 October, 4pm
Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water: Jun Tian Yun He Hear the beauty, power and versatility of the guqin, performed by the Jun Tian Yun He Ensemble. The performance features xiao (Chinese flute), throat singing and a tai chi performer. Saturday 7 October, 6.30pm
London Literature Festival Friday 13 October – Wednesday 1 November
In a world on the brink, we shouldn’t underestimate the power of literature. This year’s special extended edition of our festival marks the 50th anniversary of Poetry International, invites storytelling from the Nordic regions and explores Young Adult fiction. World Poetry Summit
Annie Leibovitz: Portraits 2005 - 2016
Sunday 15 October, 3pm
Sunday 22 October, 4pm
Philip Pullman: La Belle Sauvage
Nelson Mandela: The Presidential Years
Leading poetic voices from around the globe gather for an afternoon of transformative language. Hear from writers including Claudia Rankine, Arundhathi Subramaniam, Joy Harjo, Sjón, Choman Hardi, Yang Lian and Anne Carson.
We host the exclusive London launch of Philip Pullman’s highly anticipated La Belle Sauvage: The Book of Dust Volume One, set ten years before Northern Lights. He explains why he’s returned to the realm of his first book. Friday 20 October, 7.30pm
Young Adult Literature Weekender
Photographer Annie Leibovitz has intimately captured the greatest personalities of the past half-century, from Rihanna to Queen Elizabeth II. In an exclusive event, she presents a selection of defining works from her newly published book.
Leading actors bring to life Dare Not Linger, the long-awaited sequel to Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom, in this exclusive London launch. It captures the challenges Mandela overcame to create a liberated South Africa. Sunday 22 October, 7.30pm
Meet some of your favourite YA authors, and pick up some writing tips for yourself. Our line-up includes Inua Ellams, Juno Dawson, Tracy Chevalier, Hannah Witton, Nikesh Shukla, Irfan Master, Patrice Lawrence and Rhyannon Styles. For ages 13 – 25.
Letters of Sylvia Plath: 1940 - 1956
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 October
Sunday 29 October, 7.30pm
A cast of leading actors, authors and Plath experts presents early letters by a writer who continues to captivate each new generation. Hear the details of a life that helped to shape an iconic sensibility.
Read on at southbankcentre.co.uk/ literature
Claudia Rankine
Festival 9
Nordic Matters Throughout 2017
The Nordic countries have long been at the forefront of social change. Throughout 2017, Southbank Centre invites you to look more closely at what’s happening in Nordic art and culture.
Karl Ove Knausgård: Autumn
Hear from Norwegian literary sensation Karl Ove Knausgård as he publishes his latest book, Autumn. His first multi-volume novel drew on the intimate details of his own life and one in five Norwegians bought a copy. Monday 23 October, 7.30pm
ABBA: Super Troupers
Go back in time to encounter the sights and songs that saw four talented Swedish musicians shoot to international stardom. Our interactive exhibition features never-beforeseen items from the band’s archive, from personal notes to iconic costumes. From Thursday 14 December, see southbankcentre.co.uk
10 Festival
World on the Brink Weekend
In a world increasingly caught between extremes, what role can literature play in reimagining our relationship to the planet and each other? Over two days, Nordic authors offer insights into the way we live now. Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October, 12 noon – 8.30pm
Karl Ove Knausgård
Belief and Beyond Belief Throughout 2017
There’s still time to discover our year-long festival with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Belief and Beyond Belief presents art and debate fueled by religious feeling and the human spirit. With God on our Side... Religion and War Weekend Pick up a day or weekend pass for access to talks, panels and debates at our seventh Belief and Beyond Belief weekend. Over two days, we hear from writers, faith and community leaders, academics and scientists. Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November
Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time
Hear two great works of art that emerged from the horrors of war: Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No.2, featuring pianist Steven Osborne, and Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, written during his imprisonment in Camp Stalag VIIIA.
London Philharmonic Orchestra: An Autumn Symphony
This symphony by Joseph Marx was forgotten for over 80 years after its premiere; but anyone who loves Mahler or Richard Strauss needs to hear the first UK performance of this extraordinary hymn to nature. Wednesday 29 November, 7.30pm
Tuesday 14 November, 7.30pm
Vladimir Jurowski, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Festival 11
EFG London Jazz Festival Friday 10 – Sunday 19 November
Bringing an eclectic mix of musicians from around the world to the Royal Festival Hall stage, EFG London Jazz Festival is tailored to delight both fans and new audiences.
Jazz Voice
The EFG London Jazz Festival’s opening night gala showcases a stellar cast of voices backed by Guy Barker’s 42-piece orchestra. Hear from Seal, Liane Carroll, Mica Paris, Miles Mosley, Tony Momrelle and Vanessa Haynes. Friday 10 November, 7.30pm
Paolo Conte
Take a journey from Buenos Aires dance halls to Louisiana juke joints with Paolo Conte. The Italian jazz singer performs a one-off London concert as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Monday 13 November, 7.30pm
Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya + Hugh Masekela
Feel the potency of South African jazz as two of the country’s most historic musicians – Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela – unite. They revisit the spirit of their groundbreaking adventures with the apartheid-era Jazz Epistles. Tuesday 14 November, 7.30pm
Harlem Gospel Choir
Hear America’s premier gospel choir perform modern gospel classics the way they’re sung in the churches of Harlem today. They’ve brought their harmonious songs of love and hope all around the world. Friday 17 November, 7.30pm
Gipsy Kings & Chico
Thirty years after shaking the world with their hits ‘Bamboleo’, ‘Djobi Djobi’ and ‘Volare’, Gipsy Kings & Chico are back on stage with their full band. Hear music combining north African roots and rich traveling culture. Saturday 18 November, 7.30pm
Jaga Jazzist + Sinikka Langeland
See the UK live premiere of Sinikka Langeland’s new record, The Magical Forest, along with music from Jaga Jazzist, in this double-bill concert. They are joined by instrumental soloists Arve Henriksen and Trygve Seim. Sunday 19 November, 7.30pm
Hugh Masekela
Festival 13
‘It’s a beautiful venue offering everything needed for great day out’ Southbank Centre visitor
Wintertime November - January
Come in from the cold for sparkling shows and cosy activities. We ring in the season with Yuletide surprises all around our site, many of them free.
Finnish Rooftop Sauna
This year the Finnish capital Helsinki honoured sauna as its ‘cultural act’ of the year. This Wintertime, we invite you to unwind on wooden benches while the mercury hits at least 80 degrees celsius. From Friday 10 November
Meow Meow & London Philharmonic Orchestra: More Pandemonium
Queen of song and comedienne extraordinaire Meow Meow joins the orchestra for a night of untraditional festive cheer. Experience exquisite music from Brecht to Brel, alongside a rather large dose of mayhem. For ages 14+ Monday 4 December, 7.30pm
Southbank Centre Wintertime Market
Our Nordic-inspired wooden chalets offer festive food, drinks, gifts and treats for all this Wintertime. Enjoy mulled wine, quality edibles and handmade crafts while taking in the sights and sounds of London. Friday 10 November – Saturday 30 December, see southbankcentre.co.uk
Slava’s Snowshow
It’s snowing in London this winter as Slava’s Snowshow returns to Royal Festival Hall. Experience a dreamlike world in which one tiny piece of paper begins a breathtaking blizzard. ‘A magical work of wonder’ (Evening Standard). Fun for the whole family. Ages 8+. From Monday 18 December, see southbankcentre. co.uk
Night Light
Children aged 3 to 6 are invited to join us for a magical journey through the dark and beautiful night until the black bird sings again to welcome a new day. Tuesday 19 – Sunday 31 December, 11am & 2pm (no performances 24 and 25 Dec; 2pm performance only on 26 Dec)
Vintage New Year’s Eve
Usher in the New Year at our annual vintage nightclub spectacular as Royal Festival Hall transforms into five floors of immersive entertainment. Make a night of it with six pop-up vintage nightclubs, stylish dining and festive fireworks. Sunday 31 December, 7pm
Festival 15
Gigs
Our gigs bring you acts from all over the world. Whether you’re a fan of pop, r’n’b, folk or jazz, we can make your toes tap and put a smile on your face.
Joss Stone with Live Orchestra
Watch Joss Stone make her Royal Festival Hall solo performance debut. She sings her hits alongside pop, funk and soul classics, all with the backing of a full live orchestra. Tuesday 17 October, 7.30pm
16 Events
The Outlook Orchestra
The Unthanks
Thursday 26 October, 8pm, Troxy, E1 0HX
Wednesday 13 December, 8pm
The Outlook Orchestra returns for the final performance of its 2017 score. The 20-piece ensemble performs a 100-minute live mix of tracks such as Skream’s ‘Midnight Request Line’ and Dawn Penn’s ‘No No No’.
Mercury-nominated Tynesiders the Unthanks perform with cutting-edge chamber orchestra Army of Generals, featuring some of the world’s leading players of period instruments. You are invited to this marriage of folk and orchestral scale.
Joss Stone
Literature
This autumn at Southbank Centre, writers and thinkers from Rebecca Solnit to William Boyd testify to the many ways reading can impact lives. Join us to hear from influential voices. Goldie: All Things Remembered
Goldie’s contributions to the UK rave scene in the 1990s defined jungle. As he releases a hard-hitting and intimate new memoir, hear him talk candidly about his tumultuous life and career. Sunday 22 October, 5pm
Rebecca Solnit
Rebecca Solnit: The Mother of All Questions
The Many Fictions of William Boyd
Monday 30 October, 7.30pm
Monday 6 November, 7.30pm
Award-winning author Rebecca Solnit is a potent force for social change, shining a light on the inequalities of our times. She introduces her new collection of essays about the future of feminism.
William Boyd’s output includes 15 novels, four collections of short stories, 17 screenplays and three produced plays. He gives an exclusive reading from short story collection The Dreams of Bethany Mellmoth.
Events 17
Performance and Dance Who is the performer and who is the audience? Upset the balance of power with a selection of shows that question our identities, influences and surroundings.
Akshayambara
This experimental play is set in the world of traditional dance-drama form Yakshagana. What happens when a woman performs in an art form that has belonged to men for the last 800 years? Thursday 5 and Friday 6 October, 7.45pm
18 Events
Florence To: Cyema
Pick up some good vibrations as you enter a soundscape created by iron gongs and responsive visuals. Digital artist Florence To has created this performance from gongs discovered in clocks, struck to produce a reverse chord.
Saturday 7 October, 3.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm
A Machine they’re Secretly Building
Peer into the machine of surveillance in this allencompassing performance piece from Proto-type Theater. Confront the erosion of privacy and the terror of a future that might already be upon us. Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 November, 7.30pm; Saturday matinee 2pm
Florence To: Cyema
Hayward Gallery Hayward Gallery is currently closed for essential refurbishment.
Hayward Gallery is a world-renowned contemporary art gallery and a landmark of brutalist architecture. It holds regular exhibitions and is the home of Britain’s 8,000-piece Arts Council Collection. Coming soon: Andreas Gursky
Hayward Gallery presents the first major UK retrospective of works by German photographer Andreas Gursky. Known for large-scale images of contemporary life, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant photographers of our time.
David Batchelor: Sixty Minute Spectrum
This new commission transforms the newly restored Hayward Gallery roof into a chromatic clock. The gallery’s pyramid rooflights move through the colour spectrum every hour, counting down to the reopening of the building.
More visual arts on-site: Inside
Antony Gormley curates art by offenders, secure patients and detainees for the 2017 Koestler awards. Until Wednesday 15 November, 10am – 11pm
From November 2017
From January 2018
David Batchelor, Magic Hour, 2004-7
Events 19
Enjoy our Site
Southbank Centre
Getting here
We believe art has the power to help create a better world for everyone. That’s why we began in 1951 on the South Bank of the Thames. Dreamed up after World War Two, the Festival of Britain gave the nation hope for a brighter future. Today, millions of people gather at our festivals to enjoy culture from around the world. We put on 5,700 concerts, gigs, exhibitions, shows and debates each year, half of them for free. Our work can be seen on six continents and in 37 towns and cities across the UK. Come and see for yourself.
Eating and drinking
Southbank Centre occupies a 17-acre site in the midst of London’s vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. This includes Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, and Hayward Gallery. We also curate the outdoor spaces along the riverfront and around our venues, providing free art for millions of people every year.
Support Join our family of supporters and help us continue to present as many free activities as possible, making art available to all at southbankcentre.co.uk/support
Membership Become a Member and be first in line for tickets to over 5,700 events. Join now at southbankcentre.co.uk/membership
How to book tickets Online southbankcentre.co.uk* By phone 020 3879 9555* 9am – 8pm daily. In person Royal Festival Hall Ticket Office 10am – 8pm daily. * There are no transaction fees for in-person bookings or Southbank Centre Members and Supporters Circles. For all other bookings transaction fees apply: £2.50 online; £3 over the phone. If you wish to receive tickets in the post, a 75p delivery charge applies.
It is easy to get to Southbank Centre via tube, train or bus. For more information see southbankcentre.co.uk/visit. Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX Southbank Centre has restaurants and cafes galore – check out your options at southbankcentre.co.uk/visit. As the festive season approaches, our Market lays out a glorious spread of Christmas gifts, delicious food and wintry treats. Visit on weekends from Friday 10 November until January.
Shop Our two on-site shops and online emporium offer a thoughtful selection of items inspired by our festival and events. Browse to find gifts, jewellery, books, stationery, household goods and much more. Shop on site or at shop.southbankcentre.co.uk
Explore Did you know there’s a beehive on the roof of Royal Festival Hall? Unravel the secrets of our iconic venues in tours from October to December. Our Behind-the-scenes tour allows you to take a peek at life backstage, while our Architecture tour conveys expert information about our revolutionary brutalist buildings. Find out more at southbankcentre.co.uk/tours Cover credits: © Belinda Lawley Photo credits: page 3 © Naomi Woddis, page 4 © Jonas Becker, page 10 © Thomas Wågström, page 11 © Karen Robinson, page 12 © Brett Rubin, page 14 © Belinda Lawley, page 17 © Adrian Mendoza, page 19 © Linda Nylind. Listings correct at time of going to press. Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909
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