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London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle

Janáček's The Makropulos Affair

Sir Simon Rattle standing on the podium on the Barbican stage, facing the audience and smiling, with the London Symphony Orchestra standing behind him

A 300-year-old woman confronts mortality, identity and lost love in this concert performance of Janáček’s intense operatic drama.

The Makropoulos Affair contains some of Janáček’s most compelling music, starting with its Prelude that hints at the 16th-century birth year of Emilia Marty, complete with pounding timpani and fanfares. From there, Janáček spins a taut drama culminating in a heartbreaking scene as Emilia finally confesses to her identity.

This is the fourth Janáček opera performed by Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra. This year’s cast is as exceptional as ever, with soprano Marlis Petersen as the emotionally complex Emilia, and tenor Aleš Briscein – a veteran of Janáček's distinctive musical style – as Albert Gregor, the young lawyer enamoured with Emilia.

This performance will end at approximately 9.05pm (timings subject to change). Please note that there will be no interval. 

Produced by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Ticket prices

Standard
£18-72 *
* Excludes £4 booking fee

Booking fees

£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction. 

No fee when tickets are booked in person.

Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.

Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.