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Soweto Kinch/LSO: Soundtrack to the Apocalypse

,Hall
Soweto Kinch against a dark background, holding two saxophones

The saxophonist, rapper and composer Soweto Kinch presents the final instalment of a trilogy of works in collaboration with the LSO, which began with The Black Peril in 2019 and White Juju in 2021.

Having represented views of the past and present, Soundtrack to the Apocalypse pushes into speculative territory - a futuristic meditation on collapse and renewal. Apocalyptic visions collide with spiritual reflection and cutting-edge sonic experimentation. The piece features Kinch’s first use of the aerophone (electronic saxophone) and a hip hop-inspired sequence of short, high-impact tracks, mirroring the fractured, scroll-speed rhythm of contemporary life.

'Despite the title, this isn’t about doom,' Kinch explains. 'The Greek root of ‘apocalypse’ means ‘to unveil’. This show is about revealing - not just what’s wrong, but what might still be possible.'

Tagged with: Classical music Contemporary Music Jazz More...

Please note that this performance will be accompanied by visual images of military conflict (both historical and current), slavery, political rallies, protests and violence, which some audience members may find upsetting.

The concert will finish at approximately 9.25pm (timings subject to change). Please note that there will be no interval.

 

Pre-Concert
6.30-7pm Freestage, Level G

Members of the Create Perform ensemble perform their first exclusively jazz set, devised alongside students from Guildhall’s Orchestral Artistry and Jazz courses, LSO musicians and creative leader Mark Withers.

The group used a range of stimuli to make the pieces, some of which were initiated by the jazz students – using strong rhythmic patterns, riffs experimenting with open and closed sounds, extreme pitch restriction as well as an improvisation on Wild, Wild Mountain Thyme and exploration of a riff from Soweto Kinch himself.

Programme

  • Soweto Kinch orch Ben Palmer   Soundtrack to the Apocalypse

Performers

  • London Symphony Orchestra  
  • Ben Palmer   conductor
  • Soweto Kinch   saxophone & vocals
  • Louis Hamilton-Foad   kit
  • Francis Mott   vocals
  • Rick Simpson   piano
  • Josh Vadiveloo   bass

Get to know Soweto Kinch

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.