Conductor

Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures bursts open, as the BBC Symphony Orchestra plays a live accompaniment to two wonderful animated adventures.

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Quentin Blake's Box of Treasures: Live in Concert

Barbican Centre

Relive the film that started it all. Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event as Harry, Ron, Hermione and all your favourite characters return to the screen and enchant the world all over again.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™: Film with Live Orchestra

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

In the first half is Gaspard’s Christmas, a heartwarming festive adventure for Britain’s handsomest fox. Narrated by the story’s author Zeb Soanes (also presenter of Classic FM’s Smooth Classics at 7), the performance includes music by Jonathan Dove and visuals on the big screen by award-winning illustrator James Mayhew. This is an unforgettable Christmas experience.

The Snowman 2023

The Bridgewater Hall

Join the BBC Philharmonic for an afternoon of sounds from the big screen, as we record an episode of BBC Radio 3’s Sound of Cinema at MediaCityUK. Today’s sparkling programme has a distinctly festive feel; wrap up warm to venture through snowy Narnia, take a ride on the Polar Express, and don’t forget the tissues as we hear music from It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.

Sound of Cinema with the BBC Philharmonic

MediaCityUK

Giving audiences the chance to see the sci-fi classic like never before, the 1993 Stephen Spielberg hit will be shown in HD on big screens around the UK throughout October. Accompanied by the Hallé Orchestra, one of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, they will perform John Williams’ iconic score live on stage.

Jurassic Park In Concert

AO Arena

First Direct Arena

National Exhibition Centre

Join the BBC Philharmonic for this special studio concert celebrating the music of British composer Rachel Portman, who became the first female composer to win an Academy Award, which she received for the score of Emma.

Sound of Cinema

Comic genius Harold Lloyd is the hapless hero in this iconic silent romantic-comedy film that follows a boy’s attempt to earn enough money to support his girlfriend. As soon as he makes it big in New York City, she will follow and marry him. But all doesn’t go to plan… Performing his own death-defying stunts with slapstick bravado, one of the most enduring images in cinema is Lloyd hanging from a clock face - apparently dangling from the side of New York skyscraper!

‘Safety Last!’ LIVE in Concert

City Halls

Prepare for lift-off as John Williams’ iconic scores from Star Wars take flight with the forces of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and 60+ singers of the National Youth Choir of Scotland!

Star Wars: An Orchestral Saga

Premiered in 1977, the unforgettable characters and legendary storytelling of Star Wars: A New Hope™ captured the imagination of movie-goers around the world. This September, join Luke Skywalker on his daring mission to rescue Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire. Relive the magic on the big screen as Scotland’s National Orchestra brings John Williams’ Oscar®-winning score to life in this powerful multimedia experience. Use the Force, Luke.

RSNO Season 24-25: Star Wars - A New Hope in Concert

Usher Hall

Experience the epic saga like never before with "Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert," featuring the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. This unforgettable event brings to life John Williams’ Oscar-winning score in a powerful multimedia experience, set against the backdrop of the original 1977 film projected on the big screen. Join Luke Skywalker on his daring mission to rescue Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire. 

Under the baton of esteemed conductor Ben Palmer, recognized for his expertise in conducting live to picture and personally authorized by John Williams to conduct his film scores, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra will transport audiences to a galaxy far, far away. This event is part of the Star Wars: Film Concert Series, produced under license by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox and Warner/Chappell Music.

The concert will take place at two iconic venues: Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Friday, 20th September 2024, at 7.30pm, and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow on Saturday, 21st September 2024, at 7.30pm. Ticket prices range from £19 to £65, with booking fees applicable. Discounts are available for under 18s, under 26s, mature students, unemployed patrons, patrons with disabilities, and groups.

Don't miss this chance to relive the magic of "Star Wars: A New Hope" with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Book your tickets now for an evening of interstellar adventure and unforgettable music.

Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert

The Usher Hall

Buchanan Galleries

Spielberg’s Jaws, featuring Oscar Award-winning music written by John Williams, becomes a truly spine-tingling experience with live accompaniment by the Orchestra!

Spielberg’s Jaws

Place des Arts

Join the UK’s most popular classical music station for a night of the greatest classical music performed live.

Classic FM presenters host this special concert centred around great British classics. Musical highlights include Vaughan Williams’s majestic The Lark Ascending, part of Elgar’s extraordinary Enigma Variations, and the soaring Spitfire Prelude and Fugue by Walton.

Classic FM Live

Royal Albert Hall

Our house band Royal Northern Sinfonia and guest conductor Ben Palmer

Psycho in Concert

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Experience the Academy Award® winning blockbuster on the big screen, with Lorne Balfe, Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga and Hans Zimmer’s epic score performed live-to-picture by the Hallé, conducted by Ben Palmer.

Top Gun: Maverick in Concert

Lights, Camera, Music!: Watch favorite films on the big screen at Davies Symphony Hall as the scores are performed live by the SF Symphony. Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it. Rated PG-13

Top Gun: Maverick

Davies Symphony Hall

A true Christmas favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Nominated for two Academy Awards® for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (Somewhere in My Memory), Home Alone is hilarious, heart-warming festive fun for the entire family!

RSNO Season 24-25: Home Alone in Concert

Experience the magic of the holiday season with "Home Alone in Concert" presented by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. This beloved Christmas classic, featuring the enchanting and whimsical score by renowned composer John Williams, will be performed live to picture, offering audiences a unique and immersive cinematic experience. Join us as we follow the adventures of Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin, an 8-year-old boy who finds himself accidentally left behind when his family jets off for a Christmas vacation. Alone at home, Kevin embarks on a hilarious and heartwarming journey to defend his home against two bumbling thieves, making for an unforgettable festive adventure.

Under the baton of conductor Ben Palmer, and accompanied by the talented voices of the RSNO Chorus directed by Stephen Doughty, this performance promises to bring to life the spirit and excitement of the film like never before. "Home Alone" has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and continues to be a holiday favorite, celebrated for its charming score that earned nominations for two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for "Somewhere in My Memory."

The concert will take place at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Friday, 13 December 2024, at 7.00pm, and at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, on Saturday, 14 December 2024, at 7.00pm. Ticket prices range from £19 to £65, with booking fees applicable. Discounts are available for under 18s, under 26s, mature students, unemployed patrons, patrons with disabilities, and groups, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy this heartwarming performance.

Don't miss this chance to kick off your holiday season with laughter, joy, and the timeless music of "Home Alone in Concert." Book your tickets now and create new memories with your family and friends that will last a lifetime.

Home Alone in Concert

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Join us on the Friday before Christmas and prepare to be enchanted by the orchestra’s annual feast of festive music. Enjoy toe-tapping melodies, a midnight sleigh-ride and beloved seasonal classics. Immerse yourself in the timeless classics of Yuletide carols and festive songs, enveloped in the rich harmony of a live symphony orchestra - all guided by the delightful Jamie MacDougall. Secure your seats now for a concert brimming with Christmas cheer – the ideal start to your seasonal festivities.

Christmas Classics in Aberdeen

Music Hall

The BBC SSO’s festive feast of movie music is back by popular demand, returning to the Usher Hall for its second year! Singer Jamie MacDougall is your host for this family-friendly celebration, featuring popular tunes from blockbusters, film scores by the legendary John Williams, and the opulent harmonies of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Secure your tickets today to kickstart your festive celebrations with a symphonic burst of big screen magic. And prepare to be mesmerised by the power of a live symphony orchestra – perhaps the best special effect of all time!

Christmas at the Movies in Edinburgh

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra: Christmas At The Movies

Singer Jamie MacDougall is your host for the BBC SSO’s annual feast of movie music for all ages, featuring popular tunes from blockbusters, timeless film scores by the legendary John Williams, and the opulent harmonies of Hollywood’s Golden Age. It’s always a sell-out, so secure your tickets today to kickstart your festive celebrations with a symphonic burst of big screen magic. Prepare to be mesmerised by the power of a live symphony orchestra –perhaps the best special effect of all time!

Christmas at the Movies

Glasgow City Hall

Feel the need for speed with the Scottish premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in concert with Scotland’s National Orchestra. After thirty years, Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront the ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

RSNO Season 24-25: Top Gun: Maverick

Experience the thrill of "Top Gun: Maverick in Concert" with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) for a Scottish premiere that promises to elevate your senses. This electrifying event will take place at the prestigious Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Friday, 28th February 2025, at 7:30 pm, and at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow on Saturday, 1st March 2025, at 7:30 pm. 

Under the baton of the acclaimed conductor Ben Palmer, immerse yourself in the Academy Award-winning blockbuster "Top Gun: Maverick" like never before. The film, showcasing the return of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell as he confronts his past and leads a daring mission, will be brought to life on the big screen. Accompanying the visual spectacle, the RSNO will perform the epic score live-to-picture, featuring compositions by Scottish composer Lorne Balfe, Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, and Hans Zimmer.

Ticket prices range from £19 to £65, with booking fees applicable. Discounts are available for under 18s, under 26s, mature students, unemployed patrons, patrons with disabilities, and groups, ensuring an inclusive experience for all attendees.

Don't miss this unique fusion of film and music that promises to be a memorable night out for cinema and orchestral music enthusiasts alike. Book your tickets now and feel the need for speed with "Top Gun: Maverick in Concert."

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Classic FM Hall of Fame concert, hosted by Classic FM's John Suchet on Friday, 21st March 2025, at 7:30pm in the prestigious Symphony Hall, Birmingham. This definitive countdown of Britain’s favourite classical music promises to be a night filled with the melodies you love and cherish. From the powerful strains of Nessun Dorma to the enchanting Sleeping Beauty Waltz, prepare to be transported by the full City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), under the baton of conductor Ben Palmer.

The programme for the evening includes a selection of the world's most beloved pieces:
- Rachmaninoff's Symphony No.2: Adagio
- Sibelius' Karelia Suite
- Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty Waltz
- Beethoven's Symphony No.7: II Allegretto
- Mascagni's Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana
- Puccini's Nessun Dorma
- Verdi's Libiamo ne' lieti calici
Additionally, the concert will feature music from iconic films and operas such as Emma, Lord of the Rings, Carmen, and A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Tickets are priced between £26 and £62, with a per-ticket commission of £3.50 included for tickets over £15, sold by B:Music. Attendees can take advantage of multi-buy discounts, and special rates are available for students, 18-30s, under-18s, and benefit recipients. The concert will last approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the power and beauty of classical music's most celebrated works performed live. Book your tickets now for an evening of great melodies that promises to be a highlight of the musical year.

Classic FM Hall of Fame

The International Convention Centre

Our home orchestra Royal Northern Sinfonia and expert film conductor Ben Palmer.

Singin' in the Rain in Concert

Experience the thrill of high-flying action with "Top Gun: Maverick in Concert" on Sunday, 27 April 2025, at 7:30pm, presented at the prestigious Symphony Hall. This electrifying event brings the Academy Award-winning blockbuster, "Top Gun: Maverick," to life on the big screen, while the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), under the baton of the acclaimed conductor Ben Palmer, performs the epic score live-to-picture. The unforgettable music, composed by Lorne Balfe, Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, and Hans Zimmer, promises to elevate the cinematic experience to new heights.

Tickets for this must-see event are priced between £26 and £62, with a per-ticket commission of £3.50 included for each ticket priced over £15, sold by B:Music. Although this concert is not eligible for the multi-buy discount, there are ways to save for students, 18-30s, under-18s, and benefit recipients, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to "feel the need for speed" in an unforgettable evening of film and music. Book your tickets now for "Top Gun: Maverick in Concert" and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled journey with the CBSO at Symphony Hall.

Ben Palmer

Conductor

Events

Upcoming events

Sep 20, 2024

RSNO Season 24-25: Star Wars - A New Hope in Concert · Usher Hall

20 - 21 Sep, 2024

Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert · Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Sep 25, 2024

Spielberg’s Jaws · Orchestre symphonique de Montréal

Oct 21, 2024

Classic FM Live · Philharmonia Orchestra

Oct 31, 2024

Psycho in Concert · Royal Northern Sinfonia

Past events

Jul 6, 2024

Quentin Blake's Box of Treasures: Live in Concert · BBC Symphony Orchestra

Dec 30, 2023

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™: Film with Live Orchestra · Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Jaws by Williams

Orchestre symphonique de Montréal

Conductor in Star Wars: A New Hope by Williams

Usher Hall

Conductor in Home Alone by Williams

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Conductor in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by Williams

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Conductor in Miracle on 34th Street by Broughton

BBC Philharmonic

Conductor in Symphony No.2: Adagio by

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Karelia Suite by

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Sleeping Beauty Waltz by

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Symphony No.7: II Allegretto by

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Cavalleria Rusticana by

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Nessun Dorma by

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Libiamo ne' lieti calici by

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Polar Express by Silvestri

BBC Philharmonic

Conductor in Gremlins by Goldsmith

BBC Philharmonic

Conductor in It's a Wonderful Life by Tiomkin

BBC Philharmonic

Conductor in Whistle Down the Wind by Arnold

BBC Philharmonic

Conductor in The Belles of St. Trinian's by Arnold

BBC Philharmonic

Conductor in You Only Live Twice by Barry

BBC Philharmonic

Conductor in Shakespeare in Love by Warbeck

BBC Philharmonic

Conductor in Never Let Me Go by Portman

BBC Philharmonic

Conductor in Top Gun: Maverick by

San Francisco Symphony

About

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