Getting here
Charing Cross Station
Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room Embankment
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By train The nearest stations are: Waterloo Waterloo East Charing Cross Blackfriars
National Theatre
loo
Royal Festival Hall
By tube Waterloo (200 metres) Embankment (600 metres)
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Golden Jubilee Footbridge
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Hayward Gallery Be lve de re R
IMAX
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
While you’re here
Yo rk
Highlights
Charing Cross
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
Daniel Barenboim and West-Eastern Divan Orchestra Hear Daniel Barenboim’s tribute to his late wife, the profoundly brilliant cellist Jacqueline du Pré, in a concert for the MS Society. He conducts his WestEastern Divan Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5 and Strauss’ Don Quixote. Daniel Barenboim and academic Edward Said formed the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra to open dialogues between Israeli and Palestinian musicians. Under Barenboim’s leadership, the ensemble goes from strength to strength, delivering performances as profound as
the philosophy behind its formation. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5 certainly demands such insight. Throughout the work, Tchaikovsky charts what he called ‘the inscrutable designs of Providence’, played out as a tussle between despair and hope. Inspired by the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, Strauss retells the story of Don Quixote in music of ravishing beauty. The eponymous central character is represented by the cello, performed by the young Iranian soloist Kian Soltani.
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, 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.
Man Booker Prize
On the eve of the prize, join this year’s shortlisted authors for an evening of readings and discussion. The 2017 longlist features Zadie Smith, Arundhati Roy, Ali Smith and Colson Whitehead. The jury is chaired by Baroness Lola Young OBE.
Philip Pullman: La Belle Sauvage
Find out why Philip Pullman has returned to the realm of his first book, His Dark Materials, in this exclusive London launch of the highly anticipated La Belle Sauvage: The Book of Dust Volume One.
China Changing Festival
Get an artistic overview of contemporary China’s creative connection with the UK, with music, film, dance, comedy, performance, literature and family events. From 12 noon until 10.30pm, public events take place continuously across Royal Festival Hall.
* 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.
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. Cafes, restaurants and bars You can grab a snack, sit down for a meal, or have a drink at a selection of venues across our site. Try Central Bar, Topolski or Las Iguanas at cocktail time, and Caffe Vergnano 1882, EAT or Le Pain Quotidien for a coffee. If you're on a date, head for Skylon or Wahaca; if you're bringing the kids, they'll enjoy Giraffe or Riverside Terrace Cafe. Shops Buy a gift or find something for yourself at our on-site shops, stacked with goodies inspired by our festival programme. Discover lifestyle products at our shop in Royal Festival Hall or enjoy design-led products and gifts in our Festival Terrace Shop. For the latest titles, bestsellers on a wide range of subjects, and works linked to our Literature events, visit the Southbank Centre branch of Foyles. 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 Become a Member and be first in line for tickets to over 5,700 events. Join now at southbankcentre.co.uk/membership
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
Alice Sara Ott
Acclaimed for ‘the kind of gawpinducing bravura performance of which legends are made’ (The Guardian), Alice Sara Ott offers a chance to hear the charming, intimate music of Grieg as part of Southbank Centre’s Nordic Matters.
Joss Stone with live orchestra
Watch Joss Stone, regarded as one of the greatest voices of her generation, make her Royal Festival Hall solo performance debut. She performs some of her hits alongside great pop, funk and soul, backed by a full orchestra.
Akshayambara
This experimental play confronts female representation in the male-dominated practice of Yakshagana, a traditional theatre form that has been performed by men in India for the past 800 years. Performed in Kannada with English subtitles.
Listings correct at time of going to press. Southbank Centre is a registered charity no. 298909
On the cover: Hillary Rodham Cinton Highlights page: West-Eastern Divan Orchestra © Luis Castilla, Man Booker Prize © Janie Airey, Philip Pullman © Michael Leckie, Alice Sara Ott © Jonas becker
To receive publications in alternative formats, and for further information, email accesslist@southbankcentre. co.uk or phone 020 3879 9555
OCTOBER
Daily listings
Sunday 1 Yoga with Nordic Music
Swap your morning coffee for Nordic-themed yoga. 10.30am, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free*, Ages 12+
Northern Lights Musical Sculpture
Make beautiful sounds on this public sculpture. 11am, Riverside Terrace, Free
Northern Lights Lounge
Enjoy magically lit electronica by Nordic composers. 11.30am, Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Várije – Towards the Mountains Finchley Children's Music Group and Swedish joik singers sing together.
11.45am, 12.30pm and 1.45pm, Level 2 Foyers, Royal Festival Hall, Free
The Virtual Orchestra Sibelius 360
Don your virtual reality helmet to experience the Philharmonia. 12 noon, Green Side Foyers, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Aspects of Leaving: CoMA Scratch Orchestra Workshop Are you an amateur musician? Come and learn a Nordic piece. 12 noon, Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Work in Progress Pop-Ups
Come and listen to works in progress at Nordic Music Days. 12 noon, Riverside Terrace Foyers, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Big Joik Sing
Learn the art of traditional joik singing in this workshop. 12.45pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free, Ages 7+
Behind the Scene Tour
Take a peek in areas usually reserved for artists in this tour. 1pm, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Come and Sing: Faroese Music with Kata
Join our massed amateur choir and learn a new choral piece. 2pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free, Ages 14+
With My Ear to the Ground The Riot Ensemble perform Nordic music.
2pm, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall, Free*
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: £2.50 online; £3 over the phone. If you wish to receive tickets in the post, a 75p delivery charge applies. * Book free events at southbankcentre.co.uk ** For full repertoire, see southbankcentre.co.uk
Philharmonia Orchestra – Esa-Pekka Salonen: Mahler 3
Hear Mahler’s Third Symphony, an ode to nature. Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor Michelle DeYoung mezzo-soprano Philharmonia Voices 3pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £11 – £55
Aspects of Leaving: CoMA Scratch Orchestra
See the results of our Nordic weekend’s scratch orchestra. 5pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Come and Sing Closing Performance
An amateur choir perform a new work by Faroese composer Unn Patursson. 5.15pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
My Dad Wrote A Porno: live 2017 Hear the hilarious smash hit podcast live.
7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £22.50, Ages 16+
Monday 2 Gong Babies
Join a music workshop for parents, carers and babies. 2pm, Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £5 (for one baby and accompanying adult)
Margaret Atwood
The author discusses her work in this one-time London appearance. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £45
Tuesday 3 Marc Almond with orchestra
Hear orchestral arrangements of his greatest hits, plus some classics. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall ( Levels 1 – 6), £29.50 – £75
Wednesday 4 Independence Gala
Witness a festive mix between Indian and British art forms.
Zimmer vs. Williams
Film scores from all-time great screen composers Hans Zimmer and John Williams. London Concert Orchestra Anthony Inglis conductor 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £16.50 – £48
Akshayambara 7.45pm, see Thursday 5 October
Saturday 7 UFO in her Eyes: A film by Xiaolu Guo
Everything changes for a Chinese villager who sees a UFO. 10am, Green Side Foyers, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Little Soldier Zhang Ga
Bring the family along for an uplifting tale told through puppetry.
Hear the music of one of America’s most widely performed composers.** Philharmonia Orchestra Matthew Coorey conductor Robin O’Neill bassoon 6pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), Free
Bertrand Chamayou, piano
The French pianist makes his debut in the International Piano Series. Music by Saint-Saëns, Ravel and Liszt.** 7.30pm, St John’s Smith Square, £10 – £38, pre-concert talk, 6.15pm
Philharmonia Orchestra Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition
The Philharmonia perform showstopping masterpieces. Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Denis Kozhukhin piano Kabalevsky Overture, Colas Breugnon; Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini; Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition orch. Ravel 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £11 – £55
Akshayambara
An experimental play about gender, tradition and dance. 7.45pm, Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, £15, Ages 12+
Friday 6 Rug Rhymes
Nursery rhymes and stories for under-5s and their carers. 10.30am, The National Poetry Library Reading Den, Royal Festival Hall, Free
The media star talks about her life and work. 5.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Lofty Mountains and Flowing Water: Jun Tian Yun He
Watch a traditional performance of the seven-stringed guqin. 6.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Gongs, Songs, & Hong Kong Thongs
Laugh along to this fast-paced oneman show from Chris Chan.
Around China with a Movie Camera: a Journey from Beijing to Shanghai
Join an experiment in new opera making with artist Li-E Chen.
Li-E Chen: Thinking Posture
Music of Today: Michael Daugherty
Hung Huang Keynote
Li-E Chen: Proposition For Making A Silent Opera At An Invisible Museum
This Glorious Noise
Thursday 5
5pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
8.30pm, Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, £10, Ages 14+
1pm, Level 3 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall, Free
8pm,The National Poetry Library, Royal Festival Hall, Free*
Get double the dance from contemporary performers.
12 noon & 3.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free, Ages 6+
8pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £15 – £45
Five diaspora poets celebrate the UK – India Year of Culture.
Dance Double Bill: Julia Cheng and Si Rawlinson
Learn four Chinese characters with artist Li-E Chen. 1pm, Green Side Foyers, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Women, China, and the Two Child Policy
How does the new two-child policy affect women’s lives? 1pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Square Dancing Performance: How Do You Guangchang Wu?
Find out why 100 million people in China enjoy public square dancing. 1.30pm, 3.15pm and 4.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Architecture Tour
See Southbank Centre from a whole new perspective in this tour. 2pm, Royal Festival Hall Ticket Office, £12
Square Dancing Workshop: How Do You Guangchang Wu? Learn dance routines for large groups with our dance leaders. 2pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Hidden Stories: Chinese Women Writers
Leading writers Xiaolu Guo and Lijia Zhang read from their recent books. 2.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £10
How Mandarin Changed Me: Panel Discussion Learn about the making of an animated film by KS3 pupils.
3pm, Green Bar, Level 4, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Florence To: Cyema
Enter a soundscape where iron gongs ring out to visuals. 3.30m, 5pm and 6.30pm, Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, £5
SINK
A play based on the story of Chinese writer Lao She. 4pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £10
This film's live score blends Chinese music with electronica and jazz. 8.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Sunday 8 Behind the Scene Tour 4pm, see Sunday 1 October.
Philharmonia Orchestra – Smetana: Má vlast
The Philharmonia perform Smetana’s dedication to Prague.** Jakub Hrůša conductor Hilary Hahn violin 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £11 – £55, pre-concert talk at 6pm.
Monday 9 The RAF in Concert 2017 American Legends
The RAF’s finest musicians mark the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force.** Wing Commander Piers Morrell conductor 7pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £22 – £35
Tuesday 10 Dweezil Zappa: 50 Years Of Frank
Frank Zappa’s son Dweezil brings his father’s musical legacy to life. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £24.50 – £44.50
Wednesday 11 International Day of the Girl Schoolgirls from across the UK hop onto the London Eye for a mentorship like no other.
Inside with curator Antony Gormley
The sculptor talks about the Koestler Awards exhibition. 6pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £12
London Sinfonietta – Hans Werner Henze: Voices
David Atherton conductor Victoria Simmonds mezzo-soprano Daniel Norman tenor Henze Voices for mezzo-soprano, tenor, electronics & ensemble 7.30pm, St John’s Smith Square, £20
Thursday 12 Philharmonia Orchestra – Battleship Potemkin: Live Screening
Vladimir Ashkenazy conductor Film screening: Battleship Potemkin – Sergei Eisenstein’s silent film with a score compiled from the symphonies of Shostakovich. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £11 – £55, pre-concert talk at 6pm, Free
Friday 13 Rug Rhymes 10.30am, see Friday 6 October for more details
Letters to the Next Century
What would you say to the next century? Join us for readings of letters and music. 7pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Saturday 14 Birthday Letters: Poetry from 1967 to 2017
Poetry International celebrates 50 years. 12pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in PI Pass
Light Up Your Dreams: Poetry Craft For Families
Work with an artist to record your hopes and dreams in light. 12 noon, Green Side Foyers, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free, Ages 5+
The Lives of Poets
Should the details of a poet’s life change the way we read their work? 1.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in PI Pass
Wall of Dreams Launch
Join us for the launch of the Wall of Dreams projection. 3pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Home is the Mouth of a Shark: Poetry of Refuge and Migration Delve into poetry on refugees and those forced to leave their homes. 4.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in PI Pass.
Seven Thousand Words for Human: Endangered Poetry An evening of poetry, music and reawakening lost languages. 5.30pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free, Ages 14+
Architecture Tour 6pm, see Saturday 7 October for more details
Caroline Bergvall: Oh My Oh My The poet presents a new collaborative work-in-progress. 7.30pm, Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, £12
Ensemble Intercontemporain, Matthias Pintscher Hear 20th-century music that explores spirituality. Matthias Pintscher conductor Boulez ...explosante-fixe ... (In memoriam Stravinsky); Philippe Schoeller Hermès V; Jonathan Harvey Bhakti 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £15 – £45
Sunday 15 Eco-Poetry: Poetry and Climate Change
Discuss poetry’s relationship with the natural world. 12 noon, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in PI Pass
Light Up Your Dreams: Poetry Craft For Families 12 noon, see Saturday 14 October for more details
The National Poetry Library Open Day: A Universal Language Can poetry unite people across borders? Explore our displays. 12 noon, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall, Free
How Can Poetry Respond to the Present?
How can poetry respond to a world on the brink? 1.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in PI Pass
Ten: Poets of the New Generation A showcase of internationally indemand UK Black and Asian poets. 5pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in PI Pass
Caroline Bergvall: Oh My Oh My The poet presents a new collaborative work-in-progress.
7.30pm, Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, £12
Hillary Rodham Clinton
The first woman nominated for US president by a major party discusses her most personal memoir to date. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £45 – £70. Ticket includes a copy of What Happened (RRP £20).
A Universal Language
Two poets respond to our displays about poetry and borders. 8pm,The National Poetry Library, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Monday 16 Fifty Years of Poetry International
Our book club marks Southbank Centre’s longest running festival. 6.30pm, The National Poetry Library, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Voices From Prisons
Poetry by people in prisons is brought to life. 7pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £10
2017 Man Booker Prize Readings
Meet the 2017 Man Booker Prize for Fiction shortlist. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall Levels 1 – 6), £15 – £35
Tuesday 17 The Poetry Society Showcase
An afternoon of readings and career advice for young poets. 2pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free, Suitable for Key Stages 3, 4 & 5
Alice Sara Ott, piano
Alice Sara Ott is a creative presence at the piano. Music by Grieg and Liszt.** 7.30pm, St John’s Smith Square, £10 – £38, pre-concert talk at 6.15pm
Joss Stone with Live Orchestra Watch Joss Stone make her Royal Festival Hall solo debut. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £27.50 – £55
Wednesday 18 OAE: Handel’s Semele
The OAE performs Handel’s steamy, shocking opera Semele. Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Christophe Rousset conductor Louise Alder Semele Ray Chenez Athamas James Way Jupiter 7pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £10 – £75, pre-concert talk at 6pm
New Nordic Fiction: Unflinching Reality
How are writers from the North grappling with a changing world? 7.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £15
Thursday 19 Philharmonia Chamber Players
The players juxtapose chamber classics with less familiar works. Mozart Oboe Quartet in F, K.370; Anton Stephanovich Arensky String Quartet No.2 in A minor, Op.35. 6pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), Free
Philharmonia Orchestra – Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade Yuri Temirkanov conductor Eliso Virsaladze piano Mozart Overture, The Marriage of Figaro; Piano Concerto No.21 in C, K.467; Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade 7.30pm, Royal Festival Hall, £11 – £55
Friday 20 The Great Nordic Feast
Get your fill of Nordic food as chefs whip up feasts for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 9am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 6.30pm and 8.30pm, Riverside Terrace, £10 – £49
Rug Rhymes 10.30am, see Friday 6 October for more details
Friday Tonic: Suunta
Get a taste of Finnish contemporary folk music. 5.30pm, Central Bar Foyer, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Philip Pullman: La Belle Sauvage An exclusive event with Philip Pullman.
7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £45
Saturday 21 The Great Nordic Feast 9am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 6.30pm and 8.30pm, see Friday 20 October for more details Ages 8+; Under 16s with adult
The Onion and Other Stranger Tales
Experience a theatrical celebration of stories from strangers. 11am, 2pm and 6pm, Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Royal Festival Hall, £5, Ages 12+
World on the Brink:
Witness dialogues between British and Nordic authors across two days of talks and readings. Day Pass £20, Weekend Pass £35
World on the Brink: What Can Words Do?
What role can words have in seeing us through uncertain times? 12 noon, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
Architecture Tour 1pm, see Saturday 7 October for more details
Home is Elsewhere
Three Nordic talents examine the place we call home.
Drawing Blood
Meet the provocative graphic artist and writer Liv Strömquist.
2pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
5.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
New Myths of the North
Surrounded by Sea: Island Stories
Are Nordic countries really modern-day utopias?
2pm, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
Fire in the North Sky: Epic Tales From Finland
Travel the extremes of Finnish landscape with stories and music.
Take a plunge into the relationship between Nordics and the sea. 5.30pm, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
Dystopian Fiction
How closely do dystopian fictions resemble reality?
2.30pm and 7.30pm, Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, £7.50 – £15, Ages 12+
7.30pm, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
Cities of Ice and Glass: Nordic Utopias
Foreign Bodies: Nordic Noir
Designers and writers are reimagining our homes.
4pm, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
More Than Equal: Women Writers of the North
Meet the best writers of Nordic noir from a new generation. 7.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
Nelson Mandela: The Presidential Years
Meet Nordic women writers challenging taboos in their work.
A cast of actors bring the longawaited sequel to Nelson Mandela’s memoir to life.
4pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £45
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Stabat Mater
The LPO reveals another side to Rossini. Carlos Miguel Prieto conductor Hannes Minnaar piano London Philharmonic Choir Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3; Rossini Stabat mater 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £10 – £65, pre-concert talk at 6.15pm
Sunday 22
Monday 23 Nordic Children’s Fiction: Quest to the North
Hear from leading writers about current issues facing young people. 6pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £12
Karl Ove Knausgård: Autumn The author reflects on the pleasures and perils of writing. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £15 – £25
The Great Nordic Feast 9am, 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm, see Friday 20 October for more details
London Philharmonic Orchestra: FUNharmonics Family Concert
Don’t miss the Gruffalo film sequel with live music by the LPO. Polly Ives presenter Terry Davies conductor René Aubry The Gruffalo’s Child – film score 12 noon, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), adults £12 – £20, children £6 – £10
Behind the Scene Tour 2pm, see Sunday 1 October for more details
Fire in the North Sky: Epic Tales From Finland 2.30pm and 7.30pm, see Saturday 21 October for more details
Design for Life
Nordic architects, designers and authors discuss the good life. 3.30pm, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
Hidden Histories
What can hidden Nordic histories tell us about the present? 3.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Included in WotB Pass
Annie Leibovitz: Portraits 2005 – 2016
See a selection of defining works by the renowned photographer. 4pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £15 – £35
Goldie: All Things Remembered
Join Goldie for a candid conversation on his life and career. 5pm, The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, £20
Tuesday 24 Family Gamelan Taster Session Bring your family and friends to play our Javanese gamelan.
The Outlook Orchestra
The orchestra returns for the final performance of its 2017 score. 7pm, Troxy E1 0HX, £25
Voices of Revolution: Youth & Optimism
Talented young musicians perform early works by Russian composers. Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra Vladimir Askenazy conductor Kabalevsky The Comedians Suite, Op.26; Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.1; Shostakovich Symphony No.1. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £5 – £25
Friday 27 TRÖLL 11am, 2pm, see Wednesday 25 October for more details
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Leningrad Symphony
The LPO performs historychanging music. Andrés Orozco-Estrada conductor Inon Barnatan piano Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 (Emperor); Shostakovich Symphony No.7 (Leningrad) 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £10 – £65. Pre-concert talk at 6.15pm.
Saturday 28 Young Adult Literature Weekender
Two days packed with leading YA authors. 11.45am, weekend passes £16; day passes £10 Ages 13-25
Shared Reading with The Reader
Explore writing that speaks to readers in secure environments.
2pm, Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £10
Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, 2pm, Free
Sea Migrations: British-Somali Women Poets
Family Gamelan Taster Session
Renowned British-Somali poets on womanhood and seeking refuge. 7.30pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £12
Wednesday 25 TRÖLL
Bring the kids to a puppet show reimagining Icelandic folk tales. 11am, 2pm, Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, Adults £15, Children £7.50, Ages 4 – 9
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Faith from the Shadows
The LPO presents music of war and peace. Andrés Orozco-Estrada conductor István Várdai cello London Philharmonic Choir The Lay Vicars of Westminster Abbey Shostakovich Cello Concerto No.1; Pēteris Vasks Dona nobis pacem; Gregorian Chant Dies irae; Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £10 – £65
Thursday 26 TRÖLL
5pm, see Sunday 1 October for more details
Letters of Sylvia Plath: 1940 – 1956
Hear newly published letters in this live reading. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £15 – £35
Monday 30 Rebecca Solnit: The Mother of All Questions
Rebecca Solnit reads from her new collection. 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £15 – £35
Tuesday 31 Emerson String Quartet
Be moved by Beethoven’s late quartets. Beethoven Quartets: Op.127 in E flat; Op.135 in F; Op.131 in C sharp minor 7.30pm, St John’s Smith Square, £10 – £38
Leif Ove Andsnes, piano
The New York Times describes Leif Ove Andsnes as ‘magisterial.' Music by Sibelius, Jörg Widmann, Schubert and Beethoven** 7.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £7 – £55. Pre-concert talk at 6.15pm
Throughout the month Falling Shawls
Artist Outi Peski describes this floating textile installation as a ‘drawing in air’. Throughout the month, 10am – 11pm, Green Side Foyers, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Inside
Antony Gormley curates art by detainees for the 2017 Koestler Awards. Throughout the month, 10am – 11pm, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Room for Children
A Swedish library for the young.
2pm, see Tuesday 14 October for more details
Throughout the month, daily 11am – 6pm (closed on Mondays), The National Poetry Library Reading Den, Royal Festival Hall, Free
Architecture Tour
Wall of Dreams
3pm, see Saturday 7 October for more details
Daniel Barenboim and WestEastern Divan Orchestra
Daniel Barenboim conducts this concert for the MS Society. Kian Soltani cello Strauss Don Quixote; Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5 6.30pm, Auditorium, Royal Festival Hall (Levels 1 – 6), £20 – £125
Sunday 29 What You Need to Know: Beethoven’s Late String Quartets
Examine Beethoven’s last major compositions. 12 noon, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall, £7.50 – £25
Daniel Barenboim and WestEastern Divan Orchestra
Take in a poetic depiction of the aspirations of refugees. From Friday 13 October, 7pm, Southbank Centre Square, Free
Radical Alterations of the Sun: 50 Years of Poetry International
See archive material and new work. Fri 13 Oct – Wed 1 Nov; 11am to 8pm daily (closed Mondays); Southbank Archive Studio and National Poetry Library, Free
Food Market
Southbank Centre Food Market offers foods for all tastes. Friday – Sunday throughout the month, 12 noon, Southbank Centre Square, Free
Dragon Babies – Gamelan for 3 – 5 year olds Shake, rattle and gong with your little ones.
2pm, see Saturday 28 October for more details
Mondays, Wednesday 25 & Friday 27 October, 11am, Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £5 (for one child and accompanying adults)
Dorthe Nors
Gamelan Courses
Hear the Danish author read from and discuss her acclaimed fiction.
11am, 2pm, see Wednesday 25 October for more details
2pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £12
Family Gamelan Taster Session
Per Petterson
2pm, see Tuesday 14 October for more details
Behind the Scene Tour
An intimate event with the author. 4pm, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, £12
Whatever your level of experience, try our Javanese percussion orchestra. Various dates and times (see southbankcentre.co.uk for more details), Gamelan Room, Royal Festival Hall, £100 per term, £270 three terms in advance