Getting here
Charing Cross Station
Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room Embankment
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National Theatre
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Royal Festival Hall
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Golden Jubilee Footbridge
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Hayward Gallery Be lve de re R
By train The nearest stations are: Waterloo Waterloo East Charing Cross Blackfriars By tube Waterloo (200 metres) Embankment (600 metres)
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By bus Route RV1 stops on Belvedere Road (less than a minute’s walk away) Routes 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 521, N1, N68, N171 and N343 stop on Waterloo Bridge (a two-minute walk away) Routes 76, 77, 211, 341, 381, 507, N381, N76 and RV1 stop on York Road (5 minutes away)
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London Waterloo East
Southbank Centre
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Highlights
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LondonWe believe art has the power to help create a better world for Eye everyone. That’s why we began in 1951 on the South Bank of Waterloo
M.I.A.'s Meltdown M.I.A. curates the 24th Meltdown. Sri Lankan-born and London-bred, she is recognised worldwide as a rapper, producer, director, visual artist and activist. Meltdown is one of the UK’s most anticipated music events each year, as an iconic artist curates their own personal festival, revealing their interests and influences through a series of one-off gigs and performances across 10 days.
Each headliner has their own individually ticketed show. The festival’s eclectic mix of music, art, performance and film brings together a diverse range of artists, resulting in unique collaborations and historic one-time-only events.
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 5,400 concerts, gigs, exhibitions, Waterloo Station 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. 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.
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: £1.75 online; £2.75 over the phone.
International Piano Series Boris Berezovsky
Boris Berezovsky pairs colossal works by Beethoven and Prokofiev with playful Chopin Impromptus.
Adventures in Moominland
Have you met the Moomins? Find out more about these worldfamous characters and their creator in an interactive exhibition.
Film Scorse Live Hitchcock Weekend
Encounter Bernard Herrmann's spine-tingling scores performed live at screenings of Hitchcock's legendary films.
While you’re here You’ll never be short of eating and drinking options at Southbank Centre – we’ve got everything from cafes and sandwich shops to fine dining and bars. Browse our shops for designer concessions, unusual gifts, furniture, jewellery and homeware. Jeppe Hein’s Modified Social Benches Take a seat on Jeppe Hein’s witty park benches, each one different from the next, across the site until Saturday 19 August. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden A green oasis atop concrete Brutalist architecture, this is one of London’s most beautiful gardens, open daily in the spring and summer months. Summertime specials Watch out for our summer food and drink pop-ups, including Bleecker Burger, Oh My Dog!, The Hop Locker Bar, Jimmy’s BBQ Club and the SNOG Bus. Southbank Centre Food Market Discover why our food market is a food lover’s destination, as our traders return with delicious street-food for every appetite. Friday, 12 noon – 8pm Saturday, 11am – 8pm Sunday, 12 noon – 6pm Bank Holiday Mondays, 12 noon – 6pm.
Access Southbank Centre is accessible to all and level access is available to all of our venues. Please see southbankcentre. co.uk/access for all access information.
Membership & Support Join as a Member to be first in line for tickets to over 4.500 events, or join our family of supporters to play your part in making culture for the many and not just the few, at southbankcentre.co.uk/support
Crystal Castles
Prepare to have your eardrums blasted as Crystal Castles bring their poppy, noisy electronica to Meltdown.
African Writing of the Future: Caine Prize Shortlist Readings Hear the stories emerging from the continent with the writers shortlisted for Africa's leading literary award, chaired by Bidisha.
Our Shared Future – Refugee Week
Live music from around the world heralds the beginning of Refugee Week 2017. Come and enjoy some outdoor tunes.
Listings correct at time of going to press. Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909
To receive publications in alternative formats, and for further information, email accesslist@southbankcentre. co.uk or phone 020 3879 9555
JUNE
Daily listings
Thursday 1 Philharmonia Orchestra Young Artist Showcase Recital The next generation of talent at the Philharmonia Orchestra present chamber repertoire. Alix Lagasse, Emily Oldfield violin Emre Ersahin double bass Henrietta Hill viola Yaroslava Trofymchuk cello Kodály Selection from 9 Epigrams, Vivo from Serenade for 2 violins & viola, Op.12 Janáček Suite for strings 6pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), Free
Philharmonia Orchestra Mahler: Symphony No.1
Mahler’s first symphony is performed alongside Bartók’s last words. Gustavo Gimeno conductor Lawrence Power viola Ligeti Concert românesc (Romanian Concerto) Bartók Viola Concerto Mahler Symphony No.1 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £11 – £55
Friday 2 Dragon Babies
Let your Dragon Babies experience the sounds of Southbank Centre's gamelan. Ages 3–5. 11am, Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £5 (for one adult and one child)
Family Gamelan Taster Session
Bring your family and friends to play our Javanese percussion orchestra. Ages 6+. 2pm, Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Ben Somers' Brass Hysteria
Tap your toes to infectious street brass band tunes. 5.30pm, Central Bar Foyer, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Pavel Haas Quartet & Denis Kozhukhin, piano
Young Russian star Denis Kozhukhin joins the Pavel Haas Quartet for timeless chamber classics. Beethoven String Quartet in E flat, Op.127 Dvořák Piano Quartet No.2 in A, Op.81 7.30pm, St John's Smith Square, £10 – £38
Saint Etienne
Key Visual Arts Performance & Dance Classical Music Literature & Spoken Word Archive Studio Gigs & Contemporary Music Talks & Topics Eat & Explore There are no transaction fees for in-person bookings or Southbank Centre Members and Supporters Circles. For all other bookings transaction fees apply: £1.75 online; £2.75 over the phone.
The much-loved trio perform songs from new album Home Counties. Ages 14+. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £22.50 – £32.50.
Saturday 3 Behind the Scenes Tour
Delve into the history of Southbank Centre and gain access to exclusive areas in this tour. Ages 8+. 5pm, Royal Festival Hall Ticket Office, £10
Aurora Orchestra: In the Alps
An Alpine journey from Aurora Orchestra, including Brahms’ First Symphony performed entirely from memory, and Richard Ayres’ thrilling In the Alps. Nicholas Collon conductor Mary Bevan soprano Richard Ayres No.42 (In the Alps) Brahms Symphony No.1 7.30pm, St John’s Smith Square, £10 – £40
Grand Opera Gala
The Philharmonia Orchestra, the Philharmonia Chorus and three star soloists perform operatic favourites. Stefan Bevier conductor Natasha Jouhl soprano Peter Auty tenor David Kempster baritone Philharmonia Chorus 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £16.50 – £52.50
Sunday 4 Philharmonia Chamber Players
Hear the expressive range of the harp as French Impressionism is juxtaposed with a protest piece. Zsolt-Tihamér Visontay violin Nathaniel Anderson-Frank violin Yukiko Ogura viola Timothy Walden cello Mark van de Wiel clarinet Samuel Coles flute Heidi Krutzen harp Debussy Sonata for flute, viola & harp Ravel Introduction and Allegro for harp, flute, clarinet & string quartet David Heath Forest for septet 6pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), Free
Philharmonia Orchestra Requiems: Duruflé & Fauré
The Philharmonia join conductor Jérémie Rhorer, two stellar soloists and a chorus for two Requiems. Jérémie Rhorer conductor Elizabeth Watts soprano mezzo-soprano to be announced Jean-Sébastien Bou baritone Rodolfus Choir Philharmonia Voices Duruflé Requiem Fauré Requiem 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £11 – £55
Monday 5 Dragon Babies See Friday 2 for details
International Piano Series Boris Berezovsky, piano
Pianist Boris Berezovsky is internationally lauded for his technical accomplishments and flair. Beethoven Sonata in B flat, Op.106 (Hammerklavier) Chopin Impromptus: Op.29 in A flat; Op.36 in F Sharp; Op.51 in G flat Prokofiev Sonata No.8 in B flat, Op.84 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £10 – £55
Tuesday 6 London Sinfonietta: Nordic Nights
Discover Scandinavia’s hidden colours as the London Sinfonietta performs a programme of music from Nordic composers. Pierre-André Valade conductor Peter Herresthal violin Guro Kleven Hagen violin Eivind Holtsmark Ringstad viola Kian Soltani cello Ida Nielsen electric bass Eivind Buene Sea Change (UK premiere) Kaija Saariaho Graal théâtre Madeleine Isaksson Isär Rolf Wallin Electric Bass Concerto (UK premiere) 7.30pm, St John's Smith Square, £15
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Otaka conducts Walton Hear a trio of dramatic works, including the volcanic power of Walton’s Symphony No.1. Tadaaki Otaka conductor John Lill piano Elgar Overture, Froissart Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.2 Walton Symphony No.1 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £10 –£50
Friday 9 Louder Voices
Over 60 and love to sing? Join Voicelab and explore your voice.
Choose your own adventure for Britain as comics meet poetry in this workshop.
8pm, The National Poetry Library, Royal Festival Hall, Free but ticketed; visit southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.
Thursday 8 Philharmonia Orchestra: Music of Today
Mei Yi Foo performs miniatures that enchant and provoke in equal measure. Players from the Philharmonia Orchestra. Jonathan Stockhammer conductor Mei Yi Foo piano Various Musical Toys Hans Abrahamsen Concerto for piano & orchestra 6pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), Free
Philharmonia Orchestra: Dohnanyi conducts Schumann The brooding, dusky colours of Mozart's Piano Concerto No.20 sit beside Schumann's Second Symphony. Christoph von Dohnányi conductor Till Fellner piano Mendelssohn Overture, The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) Mozart Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor, K.466 Schumann Symphony No.2
7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £11 – £55
Yung Lean/Princess Nokia
11am, Violet Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Hear alternative hip-hop from Swedish rapper Yung Lean and feminist tour de force Princess Nokia.
Young Fathers
7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £30
The award-winning trio test our building’s structure with a show created especially for Meltdown. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £25. The show is followed by an afterparty on The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall.
Hip-Hop Karaoke
Live out your rap fantasy with the UK’s original Hip-Hop Karaoke. 9.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Thursday 15
Saturday 10 Carnival Party
Get in the carnival spirit with a day of free music and dancing. 2pm, Riverside Terrace, Free
Soulwax
I Wayne/Dexta Daps
Jamaica’s Dexta Daps and I Wayne bring reggae and dancehall to Meltdown. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £30
Friday 16
The dance music maestros bring their incredible energy to Meltdown. 9.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £30
Afrikan Boy
Afrikan Boy takes centre stage for a late-night Meltdown party. 10.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Wednesday 7 Poetry Comics Workshop: A Game of Words and Pictures
Wednesday 14
Sunday 11 Block Party x Rinse FM
Join London’s top DJs pumping out tunes in a free day-long party. 1pm, Riverside Terrace, Free
MHD + Support
Get ready for African sounds and danceable beats as French rapper MHD plays a one-off show for Meltdown. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £25 – £30
Monday 12 Dragon Babies See Friday 2 for details
Gong Babies
Bring your babies aged under six months for a fun music workshop. Ages 0 – 6 months. 2pm, Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £5 (for one parent and one baby)
National Poetry Library Book Club: Lyricists Look into the work of five beloved and influential songwriters.
6.30pm, The National Poetry Library, Royal Festival Hall, Free but ticketed; visit southbankcentre.co.uk for more information.
Giggs
South London’s Giggs brings creative wordplay to his grime and hip-hop set at Meltdown. 8pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20– £30
Louder Voices See Friday 9 for details
Crystal Castles
Get ready for lo-res electronic noise and pop hooks from the electronica duo. 8pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £30
Awful Records Club Night
Dip into the underground music culture of Atlanta and London in a two-hour rave with the Atlanta collective and indie label. 10pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, £15
Saturday 17 Meltdown Mela
Come along for a day of outdoor entertainment from the UK’s South Asian communities. 1pm, Riverside Terrace, Free
Behind the Scenes Tour 2pm, See Saturday 3 for details
Young M.A/Tommy Genesis
See Brooklyn rapper Young M.A and Vancouver’s Tommy Genesis in a double-bill night of rousing hip-hop. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £25 – £30
JD Samson/Mykki Blanco
Positive party vibes and riot grrrl rap await from two queer pioneers. 10.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, £15
Sunday 18 Our Shared Future – Refugee Week
Enjoy bands with stories from around the world as we celebrate Refugee Week. 2pm, Mandela Terrace, Free
M.I.A.
Meltdown curator M.I.A. closes the festival with a special Royal Festival Hall performance. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £25 – £50
Monday 19 Dragon Babies See Friday 2 for details
Celebrate Royal Greenwich Singing Spectacular 2017
Discover the vocal talent of the children and young people in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. 7pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £10
Tuesday 20 Lewisham Music Hub
Lewisham young people perform with instrumental groups and choirs. 7pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £10
Wednesday 21 Philharmonia Orchestra: Music of Today
The Philharmonia Orchestra's Composers' Academy presents world premieres from emerging composers. Players from the Philharmonia Orchestra Patrick Bailey conductor 6pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), Free
Philharmonia Orchestra: Russian Masterworks
The heroic grandeur of Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto acts as a beguiling prequel to Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony. Yuri Temirkanov, conductor Denis Kozhukhin, piano Lyadov Kikimora Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.2 Shostakovich Symphony No.5 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £11 – £55
Thursday 22 Royal Academy of Music Mahler: Symphony No.2
Top young musicians from one of the world’s greatest conservatoires perform Mahler’s monumental reflections on life, redemption and resurrection. Royal Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra Semyon Bychkov conductor Mahler Symphony No.2 (Resurrection) 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £7.50 – £20
Friday 23 Louder Voices See Friday 9 for details
Psycho – Film with live music
A screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s cinematic masterpiece Psycho with its spine-tingling score performed live. Ages 15+. London Philharmonic Orchestra Robert Ziegler conductor
Saturday 24
Thursday 29
What You Need to Know: Alfred Hitchcock
African Writing of the Future: Caine Prize Shortlist Readings
12pm, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall, £25
7.30pm, Level 3 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Behind the Scenes Tour
The Bach Choir: Best of British
Discover how Alfred Hitchcock used music to help create some of the most tense films ever made.
1pm See Saturday 3 for details
Family Gamelan Taster Session 3pm See Friday 2 for details
Gamelan Taster Workshop
Attend this introduction to the Javanese gamelan percussion orchestra and discover playing techniques. Ages 18+. 6.30pm, Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Hitchcock's The Lodger – Film with live music
A screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lodger with an improvised soundtrack performed live. Ages 12+. David Briggs organ 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £15. Pre-concert talk, 6.15pm.
Sunday 25 Members’ Tea with a View
Enjoy the most British of treats in the Members Bar.
Discover contemporary African writing at an evening of readings and discussion, chaired by Bidisha.
The Bach Choir presents the world premiere of their new James MacMillan commission. Philharmonia Orchestra David Hill conductor Raphael Wallfisch cello Sally Matthews soprano Roderick Williams baritone James MacMillan Blow the trumpet in the new moon (World premiere) Elgar Cello Concerto Vaughan Williams Symphony No.1 (A Sea Symphony) 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £10 – £49
Friday 30 Chorus Schools Day
Take part in a day of vocal exploration and learning for primary school KS2 pupils. 10.30am, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, £4
Throughout the month Noémie Goudal 'Station II, 2015'
1.30pm and 3.30pm, Members Bar, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall Afternoon Tea £23.50, Vegetarian Afternoon Tea £23.50, Children’s Afternoon Menu £13.50, Prosecco Afternoon Tea £29.50, Champagne Afternoon Tea £32.50
For the fourth Waterloo Billboard Commission, Hayward Gallery presents a work by artist Noémie Goudal.
Vertigo – Film with live music
Falling Shawls
A screening of Hitchcock’s classic Vertigo, with Bernard Herrmann’s score performed live. Ages 12+. BBC Concert Orchestra Jessica Cottis conductor 3pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £45
Monday 26 Dragon Babies See Friday 2 for details
Tuesday 27 Telling Her Story – Poetry Workshops for Women of Colour
Get in touch with your creativity in poet Rachel Long’s workshops for women of colour. Ages 18+. 6.30pm, Level 3 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Wednesday 28 Lambeth Musitrax Festival Hear young musicians from Lambeth.
Room for Children
Come and visit Room for Children, a Swedish library for the young. Daily from 11am, The National Poetry Library Foyer, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Rug Rhymes
A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories for under-5s. Fridays at 10.30am, The National Poetry Library Reading Den, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Architecture Tour
See our buildings from a new perspective and explore decades of architectural innovation. Ages 8+. Sundays, Royal Festival Hall Ticket Office, £12; for more details please visit southbankcentre.co.uk
Gamelan Courses
Learn to play our beautiful Javanese percussion orchestra with our weekly classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced players. New players welcome every term. Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £60–£100 per term or £270 for the full year; for details please visit southbankcentre.co.uk
Gamelan Group Workshops – Summer 2017
Get a group together to have a go at playing the Javanese gamelan in this workshop. Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £195; for details please visit southbankcentre.co.uk
Be first in line Membership is your key to unlocking our packed programme of concerts, talks, dance, gigs and visual arts.
Waterloo Bridge
Artist Outi Pieski describes this floating textile installation as ‘drawing in air’. Daily from 10am, Green Side Foyers, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Adventures in Moominland
Get lost inside the eccentric world of Moominland as we explore the internationally renowned Moomin stories through the life of their author, Tove Jansson. Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; for details please visit southbankcentre.co.uk
Master of Sitar: Ravi Shankar at Southbank Centre Discover more about sitar master Ravi Shankar at this free display.
Thursday 1 June – Sunday 18 June, daily from 10am, Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Never miss out with priority booking. Relax in your own Members Area with stunning river views Join a cultural community at special Members’ events. Save a few pounds on shopping and eating.
A Fair Field Full of Folk
Medieval and modern poetry collide in this new exhibition. Daily (except Mondays) from 11am, The National Poetry Library, Royal Festival Hall, Free
1.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £45
Join now southbankcentre.co.uk/membership