MAY
Highlights
Alchemy Don’t miss the return of our festival charting the cultural connections between South Asia and Britain. In its ninth year, Alchemy brings together emerging and legendary performers from across the UK.
Ligeti in Wonderland
György Ligeti was a magician among composers. His music spins fantastical webs across a long weekend of concerts performed by his greatest interpreters, including the legendary pianist PierreLaurent Aimard. From Friday 11 to Sunday 13 May.
Les Amazones d’Afrique
Experience the power of Les Amazones d’Afrique, an all-female collective of west African musicians campaigning for gender equality. They perform from their debut album République Amazone, which blends funk and blues with ancient rhythms.
Party to electronic bhangra beats with Birmingham club night Shaanti, discover new contemporary dance from the country’s leading producer of South Asian dance, Akademi, and fill up at KERB’s street-food market. Join us for a bank holiday weekend packed with dance, comedy, music and literature, from Friday 4 to Monday 7 May.
Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker
NeoArctic by Hotel Pro Forma
(B)old festival
Lee Bul
Catch Sir Simon Rattle in two concerts on his final tour as the Berlin Philharmonic’s chief conductor. They present two programmes which combine contemporary innovation with Romantic masterpieces, including music by Bruckner and Brahms.
(B)old is a new festival from Monday 14 to Sunday 20 May profiling artists aged 65 years and over who have stood the test of time. Headliners include the father of ‘reggae poetry’, Linton Kwesi Johnson.
12 songs. 12 soundscapes. 12 landscapes. 1 planet. Performance-makers Hotel Pro Forma unite with the Latvian Radio Choir to create an evocative and poetic visual music performance in the UK premiere of NeoArctic.
Exploring South Korean artist Lee Bul’s extensive investigation into the body and its relationship to architectural space, this exhibition features documentation of the artist’s early performances, monstrous sculptures, immersive installations and a new commission that partially envelops Hayward Gallery’s exterior.
Daily listings
Wednesday 2 Conversations from the Future
One of a series of talks engaging with our new Hayward Gallery exhibition, Adapt to Survive, with writer and artist Zach Blas.
7pm – 9.30pm; HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; £7
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Mutter plays Penderecki
The incomparable violinist performs with the LPO. Łukasz Borowicz conductor Anne-Sophie Mutter violin A Panufnik Heroic Overture; Penderecki Violin Concerto No.2 (Metamorphosen); Prokofiev Symphony No.5 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £65
Portraits of Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas expert John Goodby presents the poet’s life from unexpected angles. 8pm; The National Poetry Library, Level 5, Royal Festival Hall; Free*
Thursday 3 The Bach Choir – Alexander Nevsky
Experience modern-day masterpieces. Philharmonia Orchestra David Hill conductor Hilary Summers mezzo-soprano Simon Pondsford countertenor Bernstein Chichester Psalms; Barber Agnus Dei; Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story; Prokofiev Alexander Nevsky – cantata 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £50
Friday 4 Friday Lunch
Enjoy the sounds of South Asia in this free lunchtime concert. 1pm; Central Bar Foyer, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday Tonic
Unwind with a free gig showcasing the music of Alchemy. 5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Echoes and I Imagine by Aakash Odedra
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: £3 online; £3.50 over the phone. If you wish to receive tickets in the post, a £1 delivery charge applies. * Book free events at southbankcentre.co.uk ** For full repertoire, see southbankcentre.co.uk *** Supporter tickets include a voluntary donation of 10% of the standard admission charge, to support Southbank Centre’s work. For more information and to find out about Gift Aid, see southbankcentre.co.uk.
This solo dance performance combines traditional Kathak dance, theatre, comedy and spoken word. For ages 8+ 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Richard Herring: Oh Frig, I’m 50!
In his latest stand-up show, the Podfather takes a look at how his life has changed in the last decade. 8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £22
Yo La Tengo
See the beloved American indie band. 8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £25
Saturday 5
Sunday 6
What You Need to Know: Ligeti in Depth
New Generation DJs
12 noon; St Paul’s Roof Pavilion, Level 6, Royal Festival Hall; £25
4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Get to know the man behind the music in this study day.
Shaanti Presents Vocal Masterclass with Unnati
Explore the power and potential of your voice with singer and songwriter Unnati. 12.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Shaanti Presents Breakthrough Live
The best female acts from the British Asian live music scene. 2pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
The Best of John Williams
Join the London Concert Orchestra to celebrate the composer. Anthony Inglis conductor 2.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £16.50 – £46.50
Shaanti Presents The Female Takeover Club Night
After a six-week course here at Southbank Centre, new DJs present hip-hop, funk and soul tracks.
Itzhak Perlman Conducts The Mozart Requiem
Encounter powerful music by Mozart. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Ailish Tynan soprano Luis Gomes tenor Philharmonia Chorus Mozart Symphony No.29; Requiem 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £30 – £125
About the Elephant
Two young dancers from the worlds of Kathak and contemporary join forces. For ages 8+ 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Luke Sital-Singh
The indie folk singer-songwriter performs from his new EP. 8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £20
Get your groove on with the best club sounds from top Asian DJs, plus live dhol drumming.
The Ska Vengers
5pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
10pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; £15
Shaanti Presents Listen To The Conversation
Our platform for expression features leading women in spoken word. 4.15pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
Spectacular Classics
A concert of your favourite classics with dazzling lasers and special effects. London Concert Orchestra John Pryce Jones conductor Alexander James Edwards tenor Sky Ingram soprano Ravel Boléro; Holst Mars, the bringer of war from The Planets; Grieg Morning mood & In the Hall of the Mountain King from Peer Gynt; Karl Jenkins Palladio for string orchestra; Verdi Brindisi from La traviata; Suppé Overture, Die leichte Kavallerie (Light cavalry); Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana; Sibelius Finlandia; Brahms Hungarian Dance No.5 in F sharp minor; Elgar Nimrod from Enigma Variations; Puccini Nessun Dorma from Turandot; Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture
Move your feet to the unshakeable energy of India’s first ska band.
Monday 7 The Magic Fish
A classic Indian tale, retold through dance, storytelling and beatboxing. Ages 5 and over. 12 noon & 3.30pm (performances), 1pm (workshop); The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Bollywood Dance workshop Everyone is welcome at this Bollywood dance workshop.
2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Spirit of India
Enjoy a spectacular night out featuring Bollywood dancers. 7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18 – £30
Talvin Singh plays OK & Beyond The electronic artist performs his award-winning album plus new music. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £25
Tez Ilyas – Teztify
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £16.50 – £49.50
A slick, smart, subversive stand-up show from the top comedian.
The Troth
7.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
A gripping wartime story of love and loss, told through dance, music and film. For ages 12+ 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18 – £24
Sharper than a Serpent’s Tooth: South Asian Feminist Writing Today’s leading feminist South Asian authors explore age-old questions. For ages 16+
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Tuesday 8 City of London Sinfonia - Hero Worship: Beethoven, Napoleon and Revolution Get a glimpse into Beethoven’s thoughts with Brett Dean’s Testament. Brett Dean director, viola Sir Christopher Clark presenter Talk From Artist to Hero with Sir Christopher Clark; Brett Dean Testament vers. for chamber orchestra; Beethoven Symphony No.3 (Eroica) 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £30
Wednesday 9 Conversations from the Future
Artist Bedwyr Williams in conversation with critic Chris Fite Wassilak about our new Hayward Gallery exhibition, Adapt to Survive. 7pm – 9.30pm; HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; £7
Khatia Buniatishvili, piano
The young Georgian pianist has swept the globe with her fiery musicianship. Brahms Sonata No.3 in F minor, Op.5; Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker Suite arr. Pletnev for piano; Liszt Rhapsodie espagnole, S.254; Reminiscences of Don Juan, S.418 (after Mozart) 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £38
Thursday 10 Philharmonia Orchestra – I Was Glad: Parry Anniversary Concert
The orchestra celebrates the great coronation anthem. Adrian Partington conductor Marie-Elisabeth Hecker cello Eleanor Dennis soprano Gloucester Choral Society Parry I was glad; Elgar Cello Concerto; Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis; Parry Ode on the Nativity for soprano, chorus & orchestra; Jerusalem 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £11 – £55
Friday 11 Friday Lunch: Ligeti Chamber Music - Serenade, Caprices and Bagatelles
Musicians from the Royal College of Music Ligeti 6 Bagatelles for wind quintet; Sonata for solo viola; 10 Pieces for wind quintet 1pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
The Steve Williamson Trio with Tomorrow’s Warriors Quartet Start your Friday night with a Ligeti in Wonderland performance. 5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Ligeti’s Horn Trio
Ligeti’s music is performed by his greatest interpreters. Pierre-Laurent Aimard piano Tamara Stefanovich piano Patricia Kopatchinskaja violin Marie-Luise Neunecker horn Daniel Ciampolini percussion Ligeti Poème symphonique for 100 metronomes; 3 Pieces for 2 pianos (Monument, Selbstporträt, Bewegung); Trio for horn, violin & piano (Hommage à Brahms); Steve Reich Clapping Music; Ligeti Etude No.8 (Fém) arr. for piano & percussion; Nancarrow Piano Player Studies Nos.4 & 9 arr. F.Boffard & PL Aimard for 2 pianos; Pierre-Laurent Aimard Improvisation for 4 hands on Ligeti’s Poème symphonique for 100 metronomes; Improvisation for piano & percussion on Ligeti’s Etude No.4 (Fanfares) 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £25
Friday Late: Daniel Ciampolini
The percussionist performs a vibrant late-night improvisation set. 9.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Saturday 12 Southbank Sinfonia Family Concert
Get an up-close insight into Ligeti’s music in this concert for children. Programme includes: Ligeti Concert românesc (Romanian Concerto) 11.30am; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £4 (child), £8 (adult)
Royal College of Music: Musica Ricercata
Hear the set of eleven pieces for piano performed by Royal College of Music musicians. Ligeti Sonata for solo cello; Ballad and Dance for 2 violins; Continuum for harpsichord; Passacaglia ungherese for harpsichord; Musica ricercata for piano 1pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free*
Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano
The great French pianist performs Ligeti’s Etudes. Pierre-Laurent Aimard piano Talk Pierre-Laurent Aimard discusses Ligeti’s Etudes with Southbank Centre’s Director of Music Gillian Moore. Ligeti Etudes (complete) 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £25
Sunday 13 Royal College of Music: Ligeti and Electronics
Professor Michael Oliva discusses Ligeti’s work with recorded examples. Stockhausen Gesang der Jünglinge (Song of the youths) for tape & 5 loudspeakers; Berio Thema (Omaggio a Joyce); Joji Yuasa Projection esemplastic for white noise; Ligeti Glissandi for tape; Artikulation for tape 2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free*
Aurora Orchestra – Ligeti Concertos
Hear Ligeti’s most powerful music. Aurora Orchestra Nicholas Collon conductor Pierre-Laurent Aimard piano Patricia Kopatchinskaja violin Marie-Luise Neunecker horn Ligeti Chamber Concerto; Piano Concerto; Hamburgisches Konzert (Horn Concerto); Violin Concerto 3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £35
Monday 14 Gong Babies
Join this relaxing music workshop aimed at parents, carers and babies. 2pm; Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £5 (for one baby and accompanying adult)
Linton Kwesi Johnson in conversation
The father of ‘reggae poetry’ shares his journey. 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £25
Reiko Fujisawa performs Bach’s Goldberg Variations
Listen to Bach’s masterpiece alongside works by Haydn and Adès. Reiko Fujisawa piano Haydn Andante con variazione in F minor; Thomas Adès 3 Mazurkas for piano, Op.27; JS Bach Goldberg Variations 7.45pm, Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £16 – £20
My Dad Wrote A Porno: Live 2018 The smash-hit podcast returns for a raucous evening of laughter. 8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £27.50
Tuesday 15 Pipe Up Schools: Come and Meet the RFH Organ
A hands-on students workshop. 9am; Royal Festival Hall; £50
May Madness Tea Dance
Move your feet to some foxtrots, tangos and waltzes. 1.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Spira mirabilis
Spira mirabilis returns to Queen Elizabeth Hall to perform Beethoven’s Symphony No.7, followed by an informal Q&A session with members of the orchestra. Beethoven Symphony No.7 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
Remembering Debussy
100 years after Debussy’s death, Claire Booth and Susa Bickley sing his music. 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £17.50 – £25
Wednesday 16 Conversations from the Future
Artist Marguerite Humeau in conversation with Senior Curator at Hayward Gallery Dr. Cliff Lauson. 7pm – 9.30pm; HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery; £7
Tony Harrison: Polygons
The David Cohen Prize-winning poet reads his acclaimed elegy. 7pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
London Sinfonietta: Beacons
Hear premiere works from the shining lights of new music. Peter Rundel conductor Donatienne Michel-Dansac soprano New work to be announced; Rebecca Saunders Skin (London premiere); Charlotte Bray Reflections in Time (World premiere); Unsuk Chin cosmigimmicks (UK premiere) 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £20
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Stravinsky, Beethoven, The Firebird (complete ballet)
A show-stopping end to the orchestra’s Southbank Centre series. Krzysztof Urbanski conductor Kirill Gerstein piano Stravinsky Scherzo à la russe; Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 (Emperor); Stravinsky The Firebird, complete ballet (1910) 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £50
Age Against the Machine
Delve into the careers of renowned artists who refuse to be labelled. 8:30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Thursday 17 OAE: Der Rosenkavalier
The OAE performs the soundtrack to the cinema version of Strauss’ opera. Geoffrey Paterson Thomas Kemp artistic director Charlotte Beament soprano R Strauss 4 Songs, Op.27; Mir ist die Ehre widerfahren from Der Rosenkavalier; Der Rosenkavalier – film score 7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £60
Barts Choir and the Philharmonia present Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast
Don’t miss this performance of one of Britain’s great modern choral works. Ivor Setterfield conductor Ashley Riches baritone Parry I was glad; Ravel Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No.2; Respighi Pines of Rome; Walton Belshazzar’s Feast 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £17 – £35
Cohen Ensemble: Transfigured The ensemble returns with music about love and transformation. Jacques Cohen conductor Marie Vassiliou soprano Jacques Cohen Beginnings & endings (World premiere); Sibelius Romance in C for string orchestra, Op.42; Zakia Fawcett Lost in this moment (World premiere); Marcus Paus Love’s last rites (UK premiere); Jacques Cohen Love journeys for soprano & strings; For Angel (World premiere); Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20 – £30
Friday 18 (B)old – International Symposium of Creative Ageing Attend a showcase of artists and organisations leading the way for older creative communities.
11am; Level 5 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall; £15
Friday Lunch: West London Rhythm Kings
Get your dancing shows on for the sounds of early New Orleans jazz. 1pm; Central Bar Foyer, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
(B)old Moves
Older dancers take the stage in this new piece. 3pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Neuronal Disco
Learn about the molecular behaviours and patterns of dementia through the power of disco. 5pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday Tonic: Julie Felix
Approaching 80, the first lady of folk only gets better. 5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
An Audience with Dame Cleo Laine
Meet the 91-year-old jazz and pop singer. 7pm; Royal Festival Hall; £25 – £35
Mon elue noir (My Black Chosen One): Sacre #2
An explosive new work from Germaine Acogny, the mother of contemporary African dance. 7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Slap and Tickle
Dance meets performance in this provocative exploration of mature womanhood. 8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Saturday 19 Royal Wedding 21st Century Tea Dance Party!
A bonanza of tea, dance, music and royal-themed fun. 11am; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Fashion Fades Only Style Remains
Our panel discuss fashion, beauty and style in our later years. 11.30am; Level 5 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall; £8
Bed
A bold street performance devised by older performers from Entelechy Arts. 12.30pm & 3.30pm; Mandela Walk, Level 2; Free
Prime
Dissect the idea of an optimal age with our panel. 1pm; Level 5 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall; £8
Richard Alston Live and in Conversation
Hear from one of Britain’s most influential choreographers. 2pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Nawal El Saadawi in Conversation
One of the greatest writers of the Arab world discusses her life and writing. 4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Sex after Dawn
Lavinia Co-op: Up Yours!
The 67-year-old drag legend puts her queer life in the spotlight. 8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
(B)old After Party
Celebrate growing old disgracefully with our late-night DJ set. 9pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Sunday 20 (B)old Communities: Dance Fitness Workshop
Discover the benefits of dance and learn a new routine. 12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
(B)old Living Library
‘Borrow a person’ and hear stories from people aged 70 years and over. 12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
(B)old Market
Browse stalls of innovative work by artists and makers aged 70 and over. 12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Welcome to the Home
Enter the world of a fictional residential care home in this experimental theatre piece. 12 noon; Level 5 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Bed 12.30pm & 3.30pm; see Sat 19 May for more details.
(B)old Communities: Linedancing Workshop
Get in formation with local linedancers and learn something new. 1pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
(B)old Communities
Watch as communities challenge society’s perception of age through performance. 2pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
Moving the Goalposts
See Cheryl Campbell perform Juliet Ace’s fourth monologue for Radio 4.
Let’s talk about sex. How does desire transform with age?
3pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
4.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall; £8
Lear
Judith Kerr in Conversation
Hear the creator of ‘Mog the cat’ in candid conversation.
New York dance legend Valda Setterfield takes the stage in this bold Shakespearean adaptation. 5pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18
5pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
Honey B Mama
Nigel Kennedy – Bach meets Kennedy meets Gershwin
5.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; Free
See the mould-breaking virtuoso violinist live. JS Bach Sonata No.1 in G minor for solo violin, BWV.1001; Partita No.3 in E for solo violin, BWV.1006; Nigel Kennedy The Magician of Lublin Selection from: Gershwin Summertime from Porgy and Bess; Oh, Lady Be Good! from Lady, Be Good; How long has this been going on? from Funny Face; Love is here to stay; The man I love from Lady, Be good! 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £27.50 – £95
Hackney’s ‘Queen of the Blues’ makes her debut at Southbank Centre.
Alfred Brendel – My Musical Life One of the world’s great pianists reflects on his career. 5.30pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20
Philharmonia Orchestra MMSF Young Artist Showcase Programme to be announced. 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free
The Healing Self with Deepak Chopra
Join the bestselling author for expert insights into your health. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £25 – £85
Philharmonia Orchestra – Exile & Return
The final concert of Voices of Revolution: Russia 1917 focuses on Prokofiev. Vladimir Ashkenazy conductor Pekka Kuusisto violin David Butt Philip tenor Students from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Crouch End Festival Chorus Philharmonia Voices Prokofiev Seven, they are seven – cantata for tenor, chorus & orchestra, Op.30; Violin Concerto No.1; Cantata for the 20th Anniversary of the October Revolution, Op.74 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £11 – £55
Monday 21 Pipe Up Schools: Come and Meet the RFH Organ
A hands-on students workshop. 9am; Royal Festival Hall; £50
A Change Is Gonna Come: Music for Human Rights
Gifted soul, jazz and rap artists Carleen Anderson, Nikki Yeoh, Speech Debelle and Nubya Garcia join forces to explore the power of protest songs. 7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20
Joseph Calleja
The acclaimed tenor returns. Philharmonia Orchestra Andrew Greenwood conductor Verdi Overture, Nabucco; Celeste Aida from Aida; O figli, o figli miei!, Ah, la paterna mano (Macduff’s aria) & Ballet Music from Macbeth; Oh! fede negar - Quando le sere al placido from Luisa Miller; Ah, si ben mio from Il Trovatore; Berlioz Royal Hunt and Storm from Les Troyens; Massenet Pourquoi me reveiller from Werther; Bizet Flower Song from Carmen; Puccini Preludio sinfonico; Cilea E la solita storia del pastore from L’arlesiana; Puccini E lucevan le stelle from Tosca; Offenbach Il était une fois à la cour d’Eisenach from The Tales of Hoffmann 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £85
Piano40
Hear repertoire for eight hands at two pianos. Jeremy Brown piano Helen Cawthorne piano Richard Deering piano Craig White piano Cecilia McDowall Piano Forty; Richard Nye Tronow (World premiere); Glazunov The Sea (Morye) – fantasy, Op.28; Sarah Rodgers Labyrinths (World premiere); Edward McGuire Botanic Gardens (London premiere); Moscheles Grand Duo (Les contrastes), Op.115 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20 – £25
Wednesday 23 BBC Concert Orchestra – With A Little Bit of Lerner
Special guests from the world of musical theatre celebrate the 100th birthday of Alan Jay Lerner. Larry Blank conductor Programme includes Loewe Brigadoon; My Fair Lady; Gigi 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £12 – £45
Solo for Two by Jean Abreu
Explore cross-cultural identity with the British-Brazilian choreographer and a robot called Macheba. 8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20
Thursday 24 Music of Today: Christian Mason Take a seat for the world premiere of a new song cycle. Philharmonia Orchestra Gergely Madaras conductor Anu Komsi soprano Christian Mason Layers of love for ensemble; Man Made for soprano & chamber orchestra (World premiere) 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free
Walk to Blake and Back
Join this tour exploring centuries of poetic activity near London’s South Bank. 6pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Royal Festival Hall; £8.50
Philharmonia Orchestra – Gatti: Mendelssohn & Brahms Daniele Gatti conducts. Mendelssohn Symphony No.4 (Italian); Brahms Symphony No.2 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £11 – £55
Neoarctic by Hotel Pro Forma
Experience this evocative and poetic visual music performance at its UK premiere. 8pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20
Solo for Two by Jean Abreu 8pm; see Wed 23 May for more details.
Friday 25 Southbank Centre Beach
Get a taste of the seaside at Southbank Centre this summer. Until 9 Sep; 10am – 11pm; Queen’s Walk; Free
Friday Lunch: Louis Baker
Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of this New Zealand singer-songwriter. 1pm; Central Bar Foyer, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Neoarctic by Hotel Pro Forma 8pm; see Thu 24 May for more details.
Saturday 26
Tuesday 29
Southbank Centre Beach
Southbank Centre Beach
10am – 11pm; see Fri 25 May for more details.
10am – 11pm; see Fri 25 May for more details.
Appearing Rooms
Appearing Rooms
Can you predict the fountain’s next move? Guess wrong and you might get soaked. Until 9 Sep; 10am – 11pm; Riverside Terrace, Level 2; Free
The Hunting of the Snark
Enter the imaginative world of Lewis Carroll in this musical adventure for the whole family. 12 noon & 3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £8 (child), £16 (adult)
Hamnet by Dead Centre
This moving monologue brings Shakespeare’s lost son to life. 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18
Sunday 27 Southbank Centre Beach 10am – 11pm; see Fri 25 May for more details.
Appearing Rooms 10am – 11pm; see Fri 26 May for more details.
The Hunting of the Snark by Pro Tours 11am; see Sat 26 May for more details.
Hamnet by Dead Centre 5pm; see Sat 26 May for more details.
Les Amazones d’Afrique
Experience the power of this allfemale collective of west African musicians. 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £25
Shiva Feshareki Presents: NEW FORMS w/ Klara Lewis, M.e.s.h., Nik Void & Simon Fisher Turner Enjoy this live reimagining of electronic music led by an experimental composer.
10pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer; [ticket detail missing]
Monday 28 Southbank Centre Beach 10am – 11pm; see Fri 25 May for more details.
10am – 11pm; see Fri 26 May for more details.
Schubert’s Trout Quintet
Recall a historical performance with Benjamin Grosvenor’s ensemble. Benjamin Grosvenor piano Hyeyoon Park violin Brett Dean viola Kian Soltani cello Leon Bosch double bass Schubert Piano Trio in E flat, D.897 (Notturno); Brahms Piano Quartet No.1 in G minor, Op.25; Brett Dean Skizzen für Siegbert (Sketches for Siegbert) (UK premiere); Schubert Piano Quintet in A, D.667 (Trout)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £35 – £60
Hamnet by Dead Centre 7.45pm; see Sat 26 May for more details.
Southbank Centre Beach 10am – 11pm; see Fri 25 May for more details.
Appearing Rooms 10am – 11pm; see Fri 26 May for more details.
Lee Bul Girls and Games: Violet Nights
Hear world premieres of new works for string quartet. Arditti String Quartet and Friends JS Bach Prelude; Sarabande; Gigue from Suite No.3 in C for solo cello, BWV.1009; Webern 5 Movements for string quartet, Op.5; Milica Djordjevic New work for viola solo (World premiere); Wolfgang Rihm Fetzen; Fetzen II for string quartet; George Benjamin Viola, Viola; Tom Coult String Quartet No.1 (World premiere); Charlotte Bray MidOceaned for viola & cello (World premiere); Brian Ferneyhough Dum Transisset I - IV
Enter the world of gaming to discuss how girls and women navigate a male-dominated field.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12 – £25
RNCM Gold Medal Winners Concert
Wednesday 30 Southbank Centre Beach 10am – 11pm; see Fri 25 May for more details.
Appearing Rooms 10am – 11pm; see Fri 26 May for more details.
Lee Bul
This mid-career survey of the work of South Korean artist Lee Bul focuses on the artist’s exploration of the body and its relationship to architectural space.
Family Gamelan Taster Session
See the enchanting musical based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s novel.
Thursday 31
New Music for Leo Hepner
The Hunting of the Snark A Little Princess
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £20
11am – 9pm; see Wed 30 May for more details.
10am – 11pm; see Fri 26 May for more details.
3pm; see Sat 26 May for more details.
Be captivated by the celebrated Spanish pianist. Granados Oriental (Danza española No.2); Andaluza (Danza española No.5); Chopin Ballade No.1 in G minor, Op.23; Debussy Estampes; L’isle joyeuse; Mompou Scènes d’enfants; Szymanowski 9 Preludes, Op.1; Scriabin Sonata No.5 in F sharp, Op.53
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £38
11am – 7pm; Thursday until 9pm (last entry 8pm); closed Tuesday; Hayward Gallery; Supporter: £14.50***, Standard: £13
Appearing Rooms
Judith Jáuregui – piano recital
Bring your family and friends to play our Javanese gamelan percussion orchestra. 2pm; Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £10
Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker
Sir Simon Rattle appears in the first of two concerts on his final tour as the Berlin Philharmonic’s chief conductor. Hans Abrahamsen 3 Pieces for orchestra (UK premiere); Bruckner Symphony No.9 (with finale of Samale, Mazucca, Phillips & Cohrs) 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £125
7pm; Blue Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free*
Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker
Sir Simon Rattle appears in the second of two concerts on his final tour as the Berlin Philharmonic’s chief conductor. Jörg Widmann New commission for orchestra (UK premiere); Lutoslawski Symphony No.3; Brahms Symphony No.1 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £125
Hear the stars of tomorrow in this showcase of the College’s 2017 Gold Medal winners. Jonathan Fisher piano Vykintas Civas saxophone David Zucchi saxophone Gunda Baranauskaite cello Samantha Clarke soprano Robin Humphreys piano Mendelssohn Infelice, Op.94; Chopin Plainte d’amour (Mazurka in D, Op.33 No.2) & Aime-moi (Mazurka in F sharp minor, Op.6 No.1) arr. Pauline Viardot for voice & piano; Liszt Oh! quand je dors, S.282; Comment, disaient-ils, S.276; Enfant, si j’étais roi, S.283; Michael Betteridge Waiting for friends; Algirdas Kraunaitis New work for saxophone duet (World premiere); Eldad Diamant New work for saxophone & cello (World premiere); Aled Smith Krow wen for saxophone (World premiere); Duparc Chanson triste; Extase; Rachmaninov Spring waters, Op.14 No.11; R Strauss Das Rosenband, Op.36 No.1; Ruhe, meine Seele, Op.27 No.1; Schlechtes Wetter, Op.69 No.5; Bellini Eccomi in lieta vesta; Oh! quante volte from I Capuleti ed i Montecchi 7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Throughout the month A Child’s Guide to Brutalism Explore this new display on brutalist architecture, for both children and adults.
Daily; 10am; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Instagram Poetry
Discover an emergent form of poetry. Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 8pm, National Poetry Library, Level 5, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Adapt to Survive: Notes from the Future
A group exhibition exploring how our world might look and feel in the future. 11am – 7pm; Thursday until 9pm; closed Tuesday; HENI Project Space, Hayward Gallery, Free
Gamelan School & Group Workshops – Summer 2018
Get a group together to have a go at playing the Javanese gamelan. Tue 1, Wed 2, Thu 3, Tue 8, Wed 9, Thu 10, Tue 15, Wed 16, Thu 17, Tue 22, Wed 23 & Thu 24; various times (see southbankcentre.co.uk), Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £195
Gamelan Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Courses
Courses for players at every level. Throughout the month (see southbankcentre. co.uk for more details); Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £100 per term or £270 for three terms in advance
Dragon Babies – Gamelan for 3-5 year olds Shake, rattle and gong with your little ones.
Mon 14, Mon 21 & Wed 30; 11am; Gamelan Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; £5 (for one child and accompanying adults)
Rug Rhymes
Under-5s and their carers are invited to this short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories. Fri 4, Fri 11, Fri 18 & Fri 25; 10.30am; National Poetry Library Reading Den, Level 5, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Modified Social Benches
See (and sit on) Jeppe Hein’s witty reinventions of the park bench, each one different from the next. Until 9 Sep; 10am – 11pm; across the site
Zandra Rhodes Flags
Look to the rooftops to spot the dazzling designs of designer Zandra Rhodes’ summertime flags. From 18 May; 10am – 11pm; Royal Festival Hall Roof & Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof
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Getting here Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room ter Wa
National Theatre
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By tube Waterloo (200 metres) Embankment (600 metres)
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Royal Festival Hall
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Hayward Gallery Be lve de re R
By train The nearest stations are: Waterloo Waterloo East Charing Cross Blackfriars
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)
Southbank Centre
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London Waterloo East
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
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.
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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. Cafes, restaurants and bars You can grab a snack,sit down for a meal, or have a drink at a selection of vevues across our site including our brand new Concrete Cafe at Queen Elizabeth Hall and Hayward Gallery Cafe. Try Central Bar, Topolski or Las Iguanas at cocktail time, and EAT or Le Pain Quotidien for a coffee. If you're on a date, head for Skylon, Wahaca or Cote Brasserie; 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 three on-site shops, offering design-led products inspired by our festival programme. Our newly reopened Hayward Gallery shop offers designer collaborations featuring ceramics, tiles, prints, jewellery and art books. Discover exciting toys and games for children at our shop in Royal Festival Hall and prints, great gifts and lifestyle products 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
On the cover: Amerah Saleh, Shaanti’s Female Takeover Festival presents Listen To The Conversation! @ ThePaulStringer Highlights page: Alchemy © Belinda Lawley Simon Rattle © Monika Rittershaus Linton Kwesi Johnson © Speaking Volumes
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