What’s on

An evening celebrating music at the forefront of composition, as we hear three world premieres, alongside Pierre Boulez’s magnetic memoriam to fellow composer Bruno Maderna.

For the final Barbican concert in celebration of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s 90th birthday, the London based 12 Ensemble bring a contemporary slant to the 20th century titan’s compositions.

Debussy’s impressionistic colours give way to Ravel’s dazzling concerto and wild, untamed waltz; Lutosławski exhilarates in his Concerto for Orchestra. 

The remarkable Ligeti Quartet traces the shifting contours of memory, nature, and change, through music by Kaija Saariaho, Cassandra Miller, John Luther Adams and many more.

Two leading instrumental groups – period ensemble Consone Quartet and the acclaimed Chiaroscuro Quartet – join forces to present an evening of beloved classical works.

Ermonela Jaho stars in Puccini’s bittersweet romance, his opera La rondine, incorporating music that has not been heard this century. 

A collaboration between The Hermes Experiment and five international sound artists, this immersive concert-installation responds to the climate emergency.

Tchaikovsky faces his demons in the fate-filled Fourth Symphony, before the ravishing pastoral music of English composer Vaughan Williams with soloist Antoine Tamestit.

Acclaimed choral ensemble Marian Consort pays tribute to flowers and gardens both actual and allegorical, with music from the late Renaissance to the present day.

Kick-start your evening with a 60-minute Half Six Fix concert, showcasing two works by Vaughan Williams. Introduced by the performers, with screens in the hall to bring you closer to the action.

Thea Musgrave paints with radiant colours, Walton gives flight to the viola, and Vaughan Williams dreams of London.

Following the success of their festive 'Live from London' collab in 2024, Adrian Scarborough (History Boys, Gavin and Stacey) joins the BBC Singers on a Christmas journey of carols & literature.

The Russian born master pianist Arcadi Volodos returns to the Barbican for a journey to the heart of the Romantic spirit.

Laurence Cummings and Academy of Ancient Music perform Handel’s Messiah – a Christmas tradition that they’ve made their own.

Relive the golden age of Hollywood with music by some of cinema’s most brilliant and influential composers.

Relive the golden age of Hollywood with music by some of cinema’s most brilliant and influential composers.

Sir James MacMillan conducts a starry performance of his huge, life-affirming Christmas Oratorio – music that speaks to listeners of all faiths and none.