Black Art Notes

Leading improvisers and composer-performers are joined by students from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama to perform graphic and open score work by Afrodiasporic composers.

This ground-breaking line-up includes scores by Fay Victor (US), Pat Thomas and Corey Mwamba, with a UK/European ensemble led by Xhosa Cole (musical director), joined by special guests including cult group Nurse With Wound collaborator Aurélie Nyirabikali Lierman.

Always, Already There is the first UK edition of George Lewis’s Afrodiasporic Incubator project. Curated by vocalist and composer Elaine Mitchener, in partnership with Guildhall School of Music & Drama. It explores the radical, varied and richly experimental work of Afrodiasporic composers, past and present.

Produced by the Barbican in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Part of Always, Already There Weekender.

Always, Already There has received generous support from SHM Foundation, Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation and Trevor Fenwick & Jane Hindley.

Barbican Classical Music Programme receives major support from Marcus Margulies and additional support In Memory of John Murray.

Ticket prices

Standard

From £22.50 (£18.50 + £4 transaction fee)

Premier, Principal and Director’s Circle Patrons get the opportunity to access tickets for sold-out shows.

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Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices for this performance.

2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability.

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Members Plus and Members enjoy 20% off tickets for this show.

No booking fee. Subject to availability (not available on lowest price band)

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Tickets £6

Aged 16–25? Join Young Barbican for free.

Subject to availability. No transaction fee.

From £22.50 (£18.50 + £4 transaction fee) + free essential companion ticket if needed

You need to sign up to our free Access Scheme to book access tickets online.

Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking, so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.

Wheelchair space
Select a seat with the icon 'E' and then on the next page 'wheelchair user' ticket type. The ticket is priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you've chosen.

Essential companion tickets
Select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.

British Sign Language or Captioned Seats
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs or with the 'C' symbol.

20% discount for groups of 10+. Contact [email protected] to make a group booking.

Subject to availability.

Book two or three Always Already There events in our 2026/27 Classical Music season at the same time and save 10%.

Book four or more at the same time and save 20%.

Silk St Music Hall

Location
The Silk Street Theatre, Music Hall and Lecture Recital Room are located in the main Guildhall School building on Silk Street and for Barbican produced events the venue can also be accessed from the Barbican if you exit via the doors next to Barbican Kitchen on Level G.

Address
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Silk Street
Barbican
London
EC2Y 8DT

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.

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