Press room

This spring at the Barbican, a host of groundbreaking artists will present special weekend events bringing together major international artists for expansive explorations of contemporary and classical music. Across three distinct Barbican Weekenders, audiences can experience stellar acoustic compositions from Japan’s leading electronic composer and visual artist Ryoji Ikeda, an all-day event, Delight Is Right, handpicked by Northumbrian songwriter Rich(ard) Dawson, and a specially curated celebration of South African musical heritage led by cellist Abel Selaocoe - with each joined by a host of special guests and international talent. Alongside these three weekenders, the Barbican also hosts a bank holiday weekend of Colombian music and art with performances from experimental musician Lucrecia Dalt, and a special evening celebrating some of Colombia’s most compelling female voices with Las Poderosas – Colombian Queens. 

Newly announced today too are free-to-attend performances on the Barbican FreeStage as part of Rich(ard) Dawson – Delight Is Right (22 Mar) with a line-up including: Yotuns, Heather Ferrier and The Last Path, all hailing, like Dawson, from the North-East of England.

• Ryoji Ikeda Weekender: Portrait (Fri-Sat 20-21 Feb 2026, Various Venues)

  Japan’s leading electronic music producer presents a series of four concerts in which his compositions are heard in rare acoustic contexts. Performed by Ensemble Modern, Solem Quartet, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and guest percussionists, the programme offers a unique opportunity to encounter Ikeda’s work through live instrumental and vocal performance.

• Rich(ard) Dawson – Delight Is Right All-Dayer (Sun 22 Mar 2026, Barbican Hall & Freestage, Barbican Foyer)

  Northumbrian songwriter Rich(ard) Dawson curates a day of performances centred around a headline concert in the Barbican Hall, alongside free performances elsewhere in the building. The programme brings together a hand-picked group of collaborators and fellow musicians, reflecting Dawson’s wide-ranging musical interests and his ongoing exploration of song, tradition and experimentation. Earlier in the day, there will also be free-to-attend performances on the Barbican’s FreeStage from Yotuns, Heather Ferrier and The Last Path, all hailing, like Dawson, from the North-East of England.

• Mohopolo / Ancestral Memory Weekend: Abel Selaocoe & Friends (Thu 23 – Sun 26 Apr 2026, Various Venues)

  South African cellist, vocalist and composer Abel Selaocoe curates a four-day programme bringing together artists from his homeland, including Mbuso Khoza, Nduduzo Makhathini, Gontse Makhene, BCUC, Toya Delazy, Mthuthuzeli November and DJ SNO. Spanning traditional Zulu music, Afro-psychedelic future pop, Afrorave, amapiano and contemporary jazz, the weekend reflects on shared histories of community, resistance and resilience. Rhythm workshops linked to the music will be announced at a later date.

• Colombian bank holiday showcase (Sat 2 – Mon 4 May 2026, Barbican Hall)

  On 2 May, Colombian experimental musician Lucrecia Dalt makes her Barbican debut with A Danger to Ourselves, her acclaimed new album. Joined on stage by Her Ensemble performing new arrangements, Dalt brings her music to life in a performance that represents the forward-looking edge of Colombia’s creative landscape, expanding the boundaries of sound. The bank holiday weekend continues with a special evening at the Barbican as part of La Linea festival. Las Poderosas – Colombian Queens takes place on 4 May, Bank Holiday Monday, celebrating some of Colombia’s most compelling female voices in contemporary music. Including a free Bulleurenge dance workshop earlier in the day, the evening culminates with an all female line-up featuring Adriana Lucia, Nidia Gongora and the activist singer La Muchacha (Isabel Ramírez). Together, they offer a powerful snapshot of Colombia’s musical heritage reimagined for today. 

More detailed information about each weekend activity can be found below in their full announcement press releases: 

• Ryoji Ikeda Weekender: Portrait Fri 20 – Sat 21 Feb 2026
• Mohopolo / Ancestral Memory Weekend: Abel Selaocoe & Friends, Thu 23 – Sun 26 Apr 2026)
• Rich(ard) Dawson – Delight Is Right, Sun 22 Mar 2026
• Spring at the Barbican, including Art and Music from Colombia, Feb – May 2026