Dive into the heart of London’s vibrant music scene with Blackheath Halls' captivating lineup of events. From an insightful lecture series exploring the contrasting symphonic works of Anton Bruckner and Gustav Mahler, to the mesmerizing performances by Junior Trinity’s young musicians, and the festive joy of family sing-alongs, there’s something to enthrall every music enthusiast. These events not only celebrate masterpieces and rising talents but also commemorate the contributions of cherished individuals within the musical community. Join us for a season of unforgettable musical experiences.

A Symphony of Events: Celebrating Music and Tradition at Blackheath Halls

Join Blackheath Halls for a season filled with captivating performances and heartwarming tales. From stirring lunchtime recitals by Samantha Crawford and Gavin Roberts, to the orchestral brilliance of Williams, Strauss, and Dvořák, and enchanting children's stories like The Smartest Giant in Town and The Gruffalo, this season promises unforgettable artistic experiences. Dive into the narrative of Michael Morpurgo’s Farm Boy, where storytelling and nostalgia come alive. Get ready for an eclectic mix of culture and art in the heart of London.

Blackheath Halls: A Season of Spectacular Performances and Heartfelt Stories

Blackheath Halls invites families to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of children's stories with two captivating performances: 'The Gruffalo' and 'Michael Morpurgo’s Farm Boy'. From March 15th to April 6th, 2025, these events bring beloved tales to life, igniting imaginations and offering vibrant storytelling experiences. 'The Gruffalo' introduces us to a cunning mouse and its fanciful tales, while 'Farm Boy' unfolds a touching intergenerational narrative. Both performances promise to enthrall audiences with their unique blend of adventure and heartwarming themes.

A Journey with The Gruffalo and Farm Boy: Captivating Children's Theatre at Blackheath Halls

It sometimes felt as though time had stood still down on the farm, the old Fordson tractor quietly rusting away at the back of the barn, Grandpa tending his chickens, that is, until the summer his grandson came to stay, and the old man started telling stories of what it had been like when he was a boy.

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Michael Morpurgo’s Farm Boy

Blackheath Halls

Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?

The Gruffalo

George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town…until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!

The Smartest Giant in Town 2025

Join us for an evening of captivating music as the Blackheath Halls Orchestra under the baton of Chris Stark performs a stunning program, featuring works by Vaughan Williams, Richard Strauss, and Dvořák.

Blackheath Halls Orchestra Perform: Williams, Strauss & Dvorak

Song cycles by Raymond Yiu, Shawn Okpebholo and Jake Heggie with selected songs by Roxanna Panufnik, Elisabeth Lutyens and Cheryl Frances-Hoad among others.

Lunchtime Recital: Samantha Crawford & Gavin Roberts

The Hearn Recital Room

The Blaze Ensemble with special guest narrator Beatrice Prokofiev perform Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved musical fairy tale Peter and the Wolf,  capturing the essence of each character through the ensemble’s vibrant instrumental voices. Spohr’s Nonet, a masterful composition rich in harmonic complexity and lyrical beauty, will further showcase their versatility and cohesion. This recital promises to be a captivating blend of narrative and musical brilliance, highlighting the Blaze Ensemble’s artistry and passion.

Lunchtime Recital: Blaze Ensemble, Peter & The Wolf

Whether you’re an experienced vocalist or new to choral singing, this is a unique opportunity to be part of an unforgettable performance, make new friends, and hone your vocal skills in a supportive, uplifting environment.

Blackheath Halls Choir Course: Mozart’s Requiem

Blackheath Halls Orchestra is looking for passionate players to join us in an upcoming performance of exquisite pieces by Vaughan Williams, Richard Strauss, and Antonín Dvořák.

Blackheath Halls Orchestra Course: Williams, Strauss & Dvorak

The Nutcracker is perfect for children of all ages. Whether your little ones have never been to the theatre before or are regular visitors, all children will be transported to the magical Land of Sweets and meet the Mouse King, Snow Queen and gorgeous Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Nutcracker 2024

Beatrice Nicholas is a British concert pianist who has performed around the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Thailand and the Czech Republic. Highlight venues include the Wigmore Hall, Southbank Center, Cartier Foundation in Paris, Kings Place, Leeds Town Hall, Snape Maltings, and Edinburgh Queen’s Hall. As well as being a solo artist, Beatrice is a member of the Chineke! Chamber Ensemble and enjoys collaboration with a variety of singers and instrumentalists.

Lunchtime Recital: Beatrice Nicholas

Featuring performances from our community groups and the Blackheath Halls Youth Choir, the event will include a wonderful mixture of well-known Christmas classics and beautiful Christmas songs you may not have heard before, all in celebration of the festive season.

Blackheath Halls Christmas Concert 2024

Experience the fabulous performances of our Blackheath Goes Gospel Choir, and pupils from as they fill Brindishe Green Primary School as they fill our Great Hall with the powerful sound of gospel music!

Blackheath Goes Gospel 2024 Performance

Raymond Briggs’ classic Christmas film is back accompanied by East London Brass, one of the UK’s top brass bands, playing Howard Blake’s original score live.

The Snowman with East London Brass

Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet Big Xmas Disco Ball

This showcase is a celebration of creativity, skill, and passion, offering a unique glimpse into the future of the music industry. From live performances to innovative production work, these rising stars will highlight a diverse range of talents in performance, production, and artistry.

BAMPI Gig

Join Trinity Laban Symphonic Winds for an enthralling evening of music including Lauri Porra’s Tuba Concerto featuring Trinity Laban alumi Lewis Chinn, who captivated the judges with his winning performance at the Gold Medal Showcase in 2023.

Trinity Laban Symphonic Winds

This eleven-lecture series offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating contrasts between two monumental composers—Anton Bruckner and Gustav Mahler—who, though separated by nearly four decades, both created towering symphonic cycles. While their styles and artistic aims differ greatly, both composers transformed the symphonic form profoundly.

Music Appreciation: Late Bruckner & Early Mahler

Our annual Christmas jumper and tinsel fest returns with another afternoon of festive singing for the whole family to join in and enjoy!

A Festive Family Sing-A-Long 2024

A very special concert in memory of Sir Stephen Oliver, past Chair of the Board of Blackheath Halls and the Michael Cuddigan Trust, much missed amateur musician and life-long supporter of contemporary music.

A Concert for Stephen Oliver by Matthew Rose and Friends

This popular concert features Christmas-themed performances from the Blackheath Halls Orchestra, Youth Choir, and our Blackheath Goes Gospel Choir, along with audience participation!

Blackheath Halls Christmas Concert Adult Choir Course

This is a FREE opportunity to support our fabulous family audience by singing Christmas classics from “Jingle Bells” to “Winter Wonderland” and more.

A Festive Family Sing-A-Long Onstage Choir

Featuring over 200 talented students in choirs, orchestras, and ensembles, this showcase offers a diverse range of music, from sacred to light-hearted pieces. Come and experience the energy and skill of these remarkable young musicians!

Junior Trinity Winter Concert 2024

Immerse yourself in an evening of classical mastery as the rising stars from Trinity Laban join forces with the renowned London Mozart Players. Known for their pioneering approach to music-making, the London Mozart Players are leaders in outreach, education, and diversity, making them the perfect ensemble to mentor and perform alongside Trinity Laban’s talented students.

Trinity Laban Symphony Orchestra: Side by Side

Events moved fast in the 1650s. Something cataclysmic happened every year, something that would thrust the newly formed republic, its people, and its eventual ‘Lord Protector’ Oliver Cromwell, in an entirely new direction. It was a time of bewildering change and uncertainty, but it was also a time of innovation and opportunity. And, for the men and women who lived through these years, this period was certainly not an ‘interregnum’. The restoration of Charles II in 1660 was not inevitable, nor was it welcomed by everyone.

Alice Hunt: Republic

This November, Turning of the Year returns with three captivating evenings of song, featuring performances by Lewisham schools in collaboration with Lewisham Music.

Turning of the Year

These celestial bodies will be portrayed by our epic 80-piece orchestra, a true feast for the senses, featuring more than 8 timpani drums for an immersive and dynamic experience.

Family Concert: Holst The Planets

With powerful percussion as well as some more hauntingly beautiful music in the mix, this is a performance with a variety of different styles, a real musical journey for the audience to enjoy.

Taiko Meantime

A two-night extravaganza celebrating the incredible young musicians in our borough. With everything from rock bands to big bands, swing to soul and samba to string orchestras… there is something for everyone.

Royal Greenwich Music Service: Showcase Your Sound 2024

Following her graduation, Ophelia Gordon experienced a pivotal shift towards the piano. This transition gave rise to a flourishing career in teaching, performing, and accompanying. Her exceptional talent has not only earned her numerous first prizes but also recently secured her the prestigious top honor in the ARS Nova International Competition.

Lunchtime Recital: Ophelia Gordon

The popular annual fair returns for its 11th year with over 40 local artisans selling handmade and bespoke gifts.

Blackheath Christmas Fair

This year we invite you to join us for a special Festival Evensong service, led by the reverend of St Michael & All Angels, Blackheath, Trevor Kemp.

LIFEM24: Festival Evensong

Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

An array of international musicians perform repertoire from the golden age of polyphony on an impressive collection of renaissance recorders: together they are The Royal Wind Music. The group was founded in 1997 by Paul Leenhouts and has captivated a steadily growing worldwide audience ever since with its vocal and instrumental music performances. Playing entirely from memory and without a conductor, The Royal Wind Music is also known for its engaging performances and ability to communicate with the audience.

LIFEM24: The Orange Tree Courtyard – Royal Wind Music

St Michael and All Angels, Blackheath

Instruments on display and for sale will include: recorders, flutes, crumhorns, shawms, rackets lutes, viols, fiddles, sackbuts, trumpets, rebecs, harps, hurdy-gurdies, drums, harpsichords, plus a superb collection of sheet music, CDs and books.

LIFEM24: Friday Exhibition Pass

LIFEM24: 2 Day Exhibition Ticket

Johann Adolf Hasse, a prominent Italian opera composer of the 18th century, is celebrated for his elegant and ornate musical style. His Sonata for Recorder exemplifies typical baroque characteristics, blending the recorder’s melodic lines with harmonious bass accompaniment, offering a harmonious performance.

LIFEM24: Beyond Time – Jiyeon Bang

Marin Marais Diversitez sur un sujet de Basse donné par un Étranger, from ‘Basse-continuës des pieces a une et a deaux violes’, 1689.

LIFEM24: The Art of Variation

A vibrant market place, attracting instrument makers from around the globe. Visit shops, music publishers, recording companies, societies and forums all gathered under one roof.

LIFEM24: Thursday Exhibition Pass

The London International Festival of Early Music is one of the largest and most inclusive early music festivals in the world. The festival began in 1973 and was first hosted at the Royal College of Music. The event moved to the Royal Horticultural Halls, and Greenwich, before finally finding its home at Blackheath Halls, in London’s oldest surviving purpose-built cultural venue.

LIFEM24: Festival Pass

In this programme Erik Bosgraaf, together with filoBarocco, searches for Polish traditional folk music through the eyes, or rather pen, of Georg Philipp Telemann. In the 18th century Telemann was a court composer in Sorau (now Zary, Poland) and wrote down all of the melodies he heard in the taverns. It is particularly notable that this gives us an idea of ​​what that music sounded like, because folk music was often not written down. The well-known ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax travelled around the world with a recording device in the middle of the last century to record dying living musical cultures of minorities before they disappeared due to the emerging globalisation and mass communication tools in his time.

LIFEM24: Telemann Goes East

This course offers a unique opportunity to enhance your singing practice. You’ll work closely with Lena Wright and Bazil Meade, a renowned figure in UK gospel music and founder of the London Community Gospel Choir, often referred to as the “the Godfather of UK gospel music”.

Blackheath Goes Gospel 2024: Advanced Level Course

From lively peasant folk dances to the full force of the Trinity Laban Symphony Orchestra, we celebrate the vibrant sounds and colours of Slavic music and the composers behind it.

KS3 Schools’ Concert: Czech Mate!

Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out!Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party- it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day.

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Ana Julija Mlejnik Železnik is a Slovenian violinist who has performed as a soloist on international stages such as Tokyo, Paris, London, Brussels, Ancona, Ljubljana and Toronto. She has won the first prize at the Genoa International Competition and has shared the stage with many important musicians. She is also the artistic director of the Loka da Camera Chamber Music Festival in Škofja Loka, Slovenia. Additionally, she is a member of several chamber music ensembles.

Lunchtime Recital: Ana Julija Mlejnik Železnik, violin

Jack lives on a small farm with his mum and very little to eat. He likes to talk to the birds, his cow and anyone who will listen.

Jack and the Beans Talk

After a week-long journey of songwriting, first-year students from the BAMPI, Strings, Wind, Brass, and Percussion programs are set to perform an electrifying showcase. Experience fresh, experimental, and collaborative pieces as these talented musicians bring their creative visions to life!

Life is a Song

A special concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Dvořák Society for Czech and Slovak Music, featuring a rich programme of Czech and Slovak masterpieces under the baton of Jonathan Tilbrook.

Trinity Laban Symphony Orchestra

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of this ancient festival with a night including a short recital classical Indian music by Ranjana Ghatak (voice), Harkiret Singh Bahra (tabla) and Kirpal Singh Panesar (Esraj), followed by dancing led by a Bhangra Dance London.

Diwali Indian Music, Dinner & Dance 2024

Join us for a captivating evening of opera as Trinity Laban’s Vocal Studies Department presents a series of opera scenes that showcase the talent and artistry of their emerging vocalists.

Trinity Laban Opera Scenes

Prepare for an exhilarating night where the soulful power of Gospel collides with the infectious rhythms of Samba! Under the expert direction of David Laudat & Nina Rosenberger (Gospel Choir) and Pat Davey (Samba Band), first-year Trinity Laban music and musical theatre students will take you on a unique musical journey filled with joy, passion, and vibrant energy.

The Gospel Samba Project

Experience ‘Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone’ – an extraordinary celebration of Nina Simone’s life and enduring legacy, performed alongside some of the UK’s most accomplished musicians.

Lady Nade sings Nina Simone

Join the Trinity Laban String Ensemble under the baton of Nic Pendlebury for an evening of music that spans vibrant modernity, celestial harmonies, and rich British tradition. Prepare to be inspired, uplifted, and transported by the beauty of strings.

Trinity Laban String Ensemble

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of innovative and eclectic music at the BAMPI Gig, showcasing the creative brilliance of the Trinity Laban BAMPI (Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and Industry) students.

This series of poems carry a strong sense of passing time, with themes evoking emotions tied to moments of joy and sorrow, longing for the past, and the pleasures of the senses, all framed within the context of everyday life. Through this lens, Blake captures both the humor and bittersweetness of  life’s transitions.

Blake Morrison and The Hosepipe Band

Clarinettist Peter Cigleris is in demand as a soloist and chamber musician. Peter has appeared on BBC Radio Three’s In Tune programme and performed live for the BBC in the Radio Three lunchtime recital. He has worked with Martin Cousins, Mark Bebbington, Julian Lloyd Webber performing for various music clubs and festivals around the UK including, the Windsor and Wooburn Festival, English Music Festival, Carlisle International Music Festival. Peter is a member of Chamber Music Box presenting innovative chamber music programmes in London and the surrounding areas.

Lunchtime Recital: Peter Cigleris & Dina Duisen

They will be followed by the inimitable Dele Sosimi, who will lead a band comprised of Trinity Laban popular music and wind, brass and percussion students, performing Afrobeat classics and new compositions. Dele is well known as one of the leading Afrobeat musicians in the UK. Starting his career as a member of Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 in 1979, he has gone on to work with Fela’s son Femi and other legends in the scene, from Tony Allen to Lucky Ranku. His 2015 album ‘You No Fit Touch Am’ on Wah Wah 45’s garnered critical and popular acclaim and provides a musical representation of Dele’s strong socio-political opinions, as well as delivering classic songwriting that could have come straight out of 1970s Lagos.

Trinity Laban presents: Sounds from West Africa

Pianist Lynn Arnold is well-known for her collaborative musicianship and for her commitment to advocating and performing British music. Recognised for the breadth, scope and depth of colour of her interpretations, Lynn performs frequently both across the UK and internationally as a chamber musician, soloist and accompanist.

Lunchtime Recital: Shirley Turner, Peter Mallinson & Lynn Arnold

Peter Mallinson performs regularly with many world-class ensembles and is a member of the Aylwin Quartet. His playing has inspired several new solo works. UK and world premiere performances include Sally Beamish’s That Recent Earth and Robin Holloway’s Suite en Saga’

Named after the old Northumbrian word for twilight, The Darkening is made up of four North-East England-based members: Kathryn Tickell (Northumbrian smallpipes, fiddle, vocals), Amy Thatcher (accordion, synth, clogs, vocals), Kieran Szifris (octave mandolin), Joe Truswell (drums, percussion);  with Josie Duncan from the Isle of Lewis (vocals, clarsach). Together these dazzling musicians create musical magic; dynamic and unique “Ancient Northumbrian Futurism”.

Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening

We are proud to present our wonderful opera production with a cast of exceptional professional singers joined onstage by our 80 strong chorus, made up from members of our community aged 8-80+ accompanied by the Blackheath Halls Orchestra.

Blackheath Halls Opera 2024: Cavalleria Rusticana

Tessa Uys and Ben Schoeman have been performing together as a piano duo for a number of years, specialising in Franz Xaver Scharwenka’s transcriptions of Beethoven’s nine symphonies, several of which they have performed here at the Halls. On this occasion, they will be performing two of Schubert’s greatest and most loved works for piano duo.

Lunchtime Recital: Tessa Uys and Ben Schoeman, piano duo

Aksel Rykkvin is an award-winning Norwegian baritone based in London. With an illustrious career as the “world’s premier boy soprano”, at twelve, Aksel’s treble début album with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment received rave reviews and both solo albums reached the UK Classical chart top 10.

Lunchtime Recital: Die schöne Müllerin (Aksel Rykkvin & James Cheung

This nine lecture series will be a welcome return to the music of Brahms by assessing his supreme achievement and the radical and traditional tendencies to be found in his finest works.

Music Appreciation with Matthew Taylor | Brahms Revisited

Aksel has performed as a baritone soloist at festivals, concerts and operas in Norway, Sweden, UK, Austria and Germany. At Christian Gerhaher and Gerold Huber’s Lied festival in 2023, Neue Zürcher Zeitung praised his ‘voice as beautiful as blood and milk‘

DJ Lady G (Solar Radio, Secret Garden Party) will be playing all your favourite soul, funk and disco classics (plus a bit of pop too), and the iconic Lady Boo will be leading the dancing. Flash-mob style routines will include everything from Car Wash (complete with shiny rags) and Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet, after which the hugely popular night takes its name, to Hey Mickey and I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet Summer Disco Ball

Every performance by this group is energy driven and completely captivating, with the music and rhythms combined with brilliantly exuberant choreography, from subtle dance to vibrant stomping and leaping.

Black Umfolosi

There will be a range of rock, R&B, rap, metal and pop on offer as each band perform a cover and an original song in a 15 minute set.

Trinity Laban – Schools’ Battle of the Bands

During the past three decades, Tessa Uys has established herself an impressive reputation, both as concert performer and as a broadcasting artiste, performing at many of the major concert venues throughout the world. She is also in demand as examiner, teacher and adjudicator.

Lunchtime Recital: Tessa Uys

The story of Dido and Aeneas didn’t end with Dido’s death. Errollyn Wallen takes the story forward, interweaving a full performance of Purcell’s great tragedy with this imaginative piece, which had its World Premiere at The Barbican, London in June 2021.

Trinity Laban Opera Presents: Errollyn Wallen: Dido’s Ghost

Yana Burova graduated with MMus and Distinction at Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2004. She has since appeared in major venues such as St Martin in-the-Fields, St John’s Smith Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, Leighton House Museum, Kings Place and in 2013 she made her debut performance at the Wigmore Hall.

Lunchtime Recital: Yana Burova and Evgenia Startseva

Join Chris Stark and our very own Blackheath Halls Orchestra for an evening of summer music in the beautiful grounds of St George’s Garrison Church in Woolwich.

Midsummer Music at Garrison Church, Woolwich

St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich

Come and immerse yourself in creativity and originality by watching the annual BAMPI Changemaker Festival at Blackheath Halls featuring students from all three years of the BAMPI Course including graduating students performing their recitals.

BAMPI Changemaker Festival

A group of performers are preparing to start their show, but quickly discover they are not alone on stage. Little Monster wants to be part of the fun too! With an invitation to his friends, Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to join him, you can expect comedy and chaos as they help to create a magical show, learning about the joy of books and friendship along the way.

There’s a Monster in Your Show

BH Orchestra Course: Midsummer Music at Garrison Church

The Waldstein Trio achieved significant early success as prize winners at the CAVATINA Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition at Wigmore Hall in 2022. They were then offered the Carne Trust Junior Fellowship by Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Muic and Dance. In 2023 the won the 1st Prize at the “4th Vienna International Music Competition”, leading to a performance in the Musikverein-Brahms Saal, Vienna; followed by an invitation to take part in the Evolution Chamber Music Course in the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity in Canada.On their return to London the Trio was offered a second year of Fellowship at Trinity Laban and went on to win First Prize in the “Medici International Music Competition”, Gold Prize and the Special Award for Best Professional Chamber Ensemble in the “Amadeus International Music Awards”, Third Prize in the “Rising Stars Grand Prix 2023” in Berlin and First Prize in the “Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition” in Bonn.

Lunchtime Recital: Waldstein Trio

We’ll be performing full choir numbers, solos and duets by Abba, Carole King , Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein and many more.

Jukebox Journeys Finale

Since its formation, the Trio has been invited numerous times to prestigious chamber music series at venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Rotterdam De Doellen, Hamburg Elbphilharmonie. The trio often appears in Spain, the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Israel and Canada. The Wigmore Hall invited this outstanding trio to present the complete Beethoven piano trios in 2020, the composer’s 250th anniversary.

Lunchtime Recital: Trio Shaham Erez Wallfisch

These interactive, theatrical shows have been developed by a team of educational experts and plunge audiences into an awe-inspiring pre historic world, creating a whole new learning experience and an interactive show like never seen before.

Blackheath Halls

5 - 6 Apr, 2025

Michael Morpurgo’s Farm Boy

15 - 16 Mar, 2025

The Gruffalo

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