London is set to host a series of spectacular events that pay tribute to the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach. From the innovative Martin Fröst Family Trio at Wigmore Hall to the Berliner Barock Solisten's complete keyboard concertos at the Barbican Centre, Bach enthusiasts are in for a treat. Highlights include the dance-based programme by Martin Fröst, the Scandinavian-flavored Lodestar Trio, Will Gregory’s retro-futurist Moog Ensemble, and the final London recital of pianist Kathryn Stott. Experience the grandeur of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, the evocative Four Seasons by Candlelight, Simon Johnson's Advent journey, Jonathan Plowright's refined pianism, and a night of Baroque hits with Julia Bullock and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Unmissable Bach Performances in London: A Celebration of Baroque Masterpieces

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Modest Mussorgsky as four spectacular events unfold in London's premier venues. From Esther Yoo's enchanting rendition of Bernstein at Cadogan Hall, to the emotionally charged 'War and Peace' at the Royal Festival Hall, Yunchan Lim's fiery Chopin at the Royal Albert Hall, and the intimate 'Pictures at an Exhibition' with the Berkeley Ensemble at St. John's Smith Square, these performances promise unforgettable musical journeys.

Experience the Timeless Music of Modest Mussorgsky in London

London's classical music scene is set to dazzle with a series of extraordinary events. From the mesmerizing 'Shimmering Interference' exploring the works of Béla Bartók and John Adams at Smith Square Hall to the spellbinding two piano performance by Víkingur Ólafsson & Yuja Wang at Southbank Centre, audiences are in for a treat. Don't miss the poignant 'On the Transmigration of Souls' by John Adams, a tribute to the victims of 9/11, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall.

Musical Marvels in London: John Adams Headlines Upcoming Concerts

London becomes a musical haven this season, with a series of captivating events celebrating the works of Béla Bartók. From orchestral masterpieces like 'Divertimento for String Orchestra' and 'Piano Concerto No. 3' at the Barbican Centre, to intimate chamber music performances at Wigmore Hall, featuring Bartók's '6 Romanian Folk Dances' and 'Sonata for Solo Violin,' the city offers a rich tapestry of themes exploring nature, mathematical patterns, and cosmic rhythms. Don’t miss the immersive Half Six Fix concert at the Barbican, where Bartók's 'The Miraculous Mandarin Suite' will be brought to life by the London Symphony Orchestra under the versatile baton of Barbara Hannigan.

Exploring Bartók's Musical Legacy in London: A Journey Through Time and Sound

Get ready for an exhilarating musical journey across London as the city's top orchestras present an array of concerts highlighting the genius of Leonard Bernstein. From Esther Yoo's enchanting violin performance in 'Serenade' at Cadogan Hall to 'American Classics' at Royal Albert Hall, and the festive 'Christmas Swing' at the Barbican Centre, there's something for every music lover to enjoy. Don't miss out on this spectacular celebration of Bernstein's timeless contributions to music.

Celebrate Leonard Bernstein with Vibrant Concerts at London's Premier Venues

Embark on an unforgettable musical journey this season across London's iconic venues, where the timeless compositions of Antonio Vivaldi will take center stage. From the orchestral grandeur of the London Mozart Players at the Mill Hill Music Club to the candle-lit enchantment of 'Four Seasons by Candlelight' at the Barbican Centre, there's a Vivaldi event to captivate every classical music enthusiast. Join us as we explore a rich tapestry of concerts, each celebrating the Baroque virtuoso in a unique and compelling way.

Experience Vivaldi's Masterpieces Across London's Iconic Venues

Get ready to be captivated by the timeless compositions of Ralph Vaughan Williams in a series of exhilarating events across London. From the majestic 'The Lark Ascending' at Classic FM Live in Royal Albert Hall to the poetic 'A Sea Symphony' at Barbican Centre, these performances promise to stir your soul. Explore chamber music at Wigmore Hall, festive tunes at Smith Square Hall, and much more!

Experience the Magic of Ralph Vaughan Williams in London

Dive into the heart of London this fall with a series of mesmerizing events dedicated to the genius of Gustav Mahler. From the haunting depths of Symphony No. 6 at Royal Albert Hall to the youthful exuberance of the London Schools Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican, Mahler's music will resound throughout the city. Don't miss the grandeur of Mahler's Resurrection Symphony with the London Symphony Orchestra or Marin Alsop's poignant rendition of Symphony No. 5 at Royal Festival Hall. This season, London's premier venues are set to bring Mahler’s timeless compositions to life.

London Celebrates Gustav Mahler: A Symphony of Events

London is brimming with extraordinary concerts and performances featuring the works of Richard Strauss. From Kensington Symphony Orchestra's opening night at St John’s Smith Square to the London Symphony Orchestra's mesmerizing evening at the Barbican, music lovers have an array of events to look forward to. Highlights include the powerful tone poem 'Ein Heldenleben', the evocative 'Metamorphosen', and the dramatic 'Salome'. Each event promises a unique journey through Strauss's compositions, performed by renowned orchestras and soloists.

Experience Richard Strauss in London: Upcoming Concerts and Performances

London is set to be mesmerized by the timeless works of Maurice Ravel, along with pieces by Fauré, Boulanger, and other classical giants. From the sensual ballet 'Daphnis and Chloe' at the Royal Albert Hall to Kathryn Stott's final recital at Wigmore Hall, and the evocative 'Le Tombeau de Couperin' at Royal Festival Hall, classical music enthusiasts are in for a treat. Don't miss out on these spectacular performances celebrating the magic of Ravel and more across the city's iconic venues.

Ravel's Masterpieces Shine in London's Classical Music Scene

London is set to host a series of breathtaking concerts and operas celebrating the legendary Georges Bizet, with highlights including the Westminster School Orchestral Concert, New Year's Day Proms, Sketches of Spain, Bizet’s Carmen Symphony, and the much-anticipated return of 'Carmen' at the Royal Opera House. From the iconic Carmen Suites to the fiery passion of operatic performances, these events promise an unforgettable musical journey.

Celebrating Bizet: A Year of Spectacular Performances in London

London's concert halls are set to resonate with the genius of Ludwig van Beethoven this season. From the heroic rescue in 'Fidelio' at the Royal Opera House to the stirring 'Symphony No. 7' by Southbank Sinfonia at St John’s Church, Waterloo, the city is brimming with must-see performances. Experience the depth of Beethoven’s 'Diabelli Variations' with Cédric Tiberghien at Wigmore Hall, and don’t miss the London Symphony Orchestra’s renditions of his First and Fourth Symphonies at the Barbican Centre. The London Philharmonic Orchestra will sweep you away with Beethoven’s 'Piano Concerto No. 3' at Southbank Centre, while Rafael Payare leads the Orchestre symphonique de Montreal performing Beethoven’s 'Piano Concerto No. 1'. These are just a few highlights of the many Beethoven-inspired events scheduled across London.

Beethoven's Timeless Influence: Unmissable Events in London

This season, London is set to be graced with a spectacular lineup of events celebrating the timeless works of George Frideric Handel. From the grandeur of 'Messiah' performed at the Royal Albert Hall to innovative renditions at Wigmore Hall and Smith Square Hall, music lovers are in for a treat. Join us as we explore these extraordinary performances that highlight Handel's enduring legacy.

Handel's Masterpieces Illuminate London: A Seasonal Celebration

Experience the timeless elegance of Frédéric Chopin's compositions in a series of captivating concerts across London. From the Barbican Centre to Royal Festival Hall, immerse yourself in performances featuring Chopin's masterpieces such as Piano Concerto No. 1 and 2, 'Heroic' Polonaise, and Polonaise-Fantaisie. Highlights include the London Symphony Orchestra with Sir Antonio Pappano, Yuja Wang, and Nobuyuki Tsujii, all bringing Chopin's works to life with their extraordinary talents.

Celebrate Frédéric Chopin's Masterpieces Across London

London is set to host an extraordinary lineup of musical events celebrating the genius of Igor Stravinsky. From the intimate recitals at Wigmore Hall with Leila Josefowicz and Niamh O'Sullivan, to the grand orchestral performances at the Barbican featuring The Rite of Spring, these concerts promise to captivate audiences with a blend of classical and contemporary music. Also, don't miss the deconstruction of The Firebird by Aurora Orchestra at Southbank Centre and a compelling evening with London Choral Sinfonia at Smith Square Hall.

Unmissable Stravinsky-Inspired Concerts Coming to London: A Celebration of Genius

London is set to become a haven for classical music enthusiasts as it hosts a series of remarkable events highlighting the works of Philip Glass. The festivities kick off on September 25 at Wigmore Hall with the O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra performing a unique blend of European musical travels and the distinct strains of Philip Glass's Third Symphony. This is followed by the Philip Glass Ensemble's riveting performance at the Barbican Centre on September 28, presenting some of Glass's early works that defined minimalism. The celebration continues on September 29 at Southbank Centre with the Scottish Ensemble's thrilling rendition of Glass’s meditative Third Symphony. Finally, the series culminates with a captivating piano recital by Adam Heron on November 21 at Smith Square Hall.

Celebrate Philip Glass in London: A Symphony of Minimalism and Innovation

Join us in London for a series of captivating musical events featuring the works of Gustav Holst. From the London Symphony Orchestra’s cosmic journey through The Planets to enchanting Christmas carols at Wigmore Hall, this season promises unforgettable experiences. Highlights include Sir Antonio Pappano's debut with the LSO, Elgar’s Violin Concerto performed by Vilde Frang, and festive celebrations with Tenebrae and the Southbank Sinfonia. Don't miss out on these exceptional performances at iconic venues like the Barbican Centre, Smith Square Hall, and more.

Musical Masterpieces in London: Celebrating Gustav Holst and More

London is set to be the stage for an exceptional series of musical events featuring the renowned composer Caroline Shaw. From contemporary string arrangements at Southbank Centre to intimate performances at Wigmore Hall and a unique journey through classical pieces at Smith Square Hall, these events offer a rich tapestry of sound and emotion. Highlights include Shaw's own compositions and collaborations, such as 'The Evergreen' with the Scottish Ensemble and 'Entr’acte' with the Kamus String Quartet.

Experience Caroline Shaw's Masterpieces Across London

London is set to be the epicenter of musical brilliance this season, with a series of captivating concerts featuring the works of William Walton. From the energetic pulse of 'Music For A Great City' at Smith Square Hall to the prestigious performances at the Barbican Centre, this lineup includes everything from Walton's Cello Concerto and Symphony No. 1 to the legendary Belshazzar’s Feast. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the musical splendor of Walton’s masterpieces, brought to life by the Southbank Sinfonia, London Symphony Orchestra, and more.

Celebrate William Walton in London: A Series of Unmissable Concerts

This autumn, London will host an array of orchestral performances celebrating the brilliance of Samuel Barber among other legendary composers. From Joyce DiDonato’s enchanting performance at the Royal Festival Hall to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s American Classics at the Royal Albert Hall, and the Kensington Symphony Orchestra’s season opener featuring Barber's works at St John’s Smith Square, music lovers are in for an unforgettable treat.

Celebrating Samuel Barber: Musical Masterpieces in London

London's concert halls are set to resonate with the enchanting and meditative compositions of Arvo Pärt. From the violin brilliance of Daniel Pioro at Wigmore Hall to the piano duets of Víkingur Ólafsson and Yuja Wang at Southbank Centre, and the mesmerizing cello performances by Yo-Yo Ma at the Barbican, each event promises to be a celebration of Pärt's timeless music. Not to be missed are the Purcell School’s student ensembles at Smith Square Hall, the Christmas-themed 'In Dulci Jubilo,' and the Gesualdo Six at Wigmore Hall, culminating in the spectacular Tan Dun's Water Concerto at Southbank Centre.

Discover Arvo Pärt's Musical Legacy in London: A Series of Unforgettable Concerts

London is set to resonate with the enchanting compositions of Gerald Finzi this fall and winter. From the mesmerizing baritone of Huw Montague Rendall at Wigmore Hall to the Nash Ensemble's chamber music celebration, Finzi's works are at the heart of these events. Don't miss the Junior Guildhall Symphony Orchestra's performance at Milton Court and a festive Choral Christmas at Smith Square Hall. Join us for a musical journey through Finzi's timeless pieces!

Celebrate Gerald Finzi: Upcoming Concerts in London Highlighting His Masterpieces

Experience the magic of Christmas in London with a series of enchanting concerts featuring the timeless music of Leroy Anderson. From the heartwarming 'The Snowman and The Snowdog' to the jazzy 'Christmas Swing: Gershwin, Bernstein, and Tchaikovsky,' and the family-friendly 'Family Christmas with the Academy,' these performances promise to fill your holiday season with joy and wonder.

Celebrate Christmas with Leroy Anderson's Magical Concerts in London

Experience the magic of orchestral music in London with a series of captivating performances, featuring the brilliant works of Vítězslava Kaprálová. From the Kensington Symphony Orchestra's season opener at St John’s Smith Square to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's enchanting concert at Cadogan Hall, join us for an unforgettable musical journey.

Orchestral Delights in London: Celebrating Vítězslava Kaprálová

As the festive season approaches, Sinfonia Smith Square is set to light up London's cultural scene with an array of captivating concerts. From the celestial harmonies of Libera to the exhilarating jazz improvisations of Catriona Bourne, this series of performances promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music and artistry. Featuring renowned musicians such as Eric Whitacre and Anna Lapwood, these events span classical, jazz, and choral genres, ensuring there's something for every music lover. Join us as we delve into the magical world of music, where each note resonates with the spirit of the holidays.

A Season of Musical Enchantment at Sinfonia Smith Square

This year the concert kicks off with a specially-commissioned Fanfare by Composer-in-Residence, Owain Park and Vaughan Williams’ beautiful ‘Fantasia on Christmas Carols’ with additional readings from the Christmas story. Audience carols including ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ and choral classics such as Holst’s ‘On Christmas Day’, Rutter’s ‘What Sweeter Music’ as well as our arrangement of ‘O Holy Night’ also feature. The concert also includes the winning piece from this year’s LCS Carol Competition.

Christmas Fantasia

Smith Square Hall

The Choir of Westminster Abbey is renowned worldwide as one of the finest ensembles of its type, its repertoire extending from plainsong and Renaissance polyphony to twentieth-century masterpieces and new commissions. In addition to singing the daily services, as it has done since the fourteenth century, the Choir plays a central role in the many royal and state occasions which are held in the Abbey, most recently the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Christmas Concert at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

The most traditional way to celebrate Christmas is to turn to Gregorian chant. The Tallis Scholars do this in three different styles: the interpretation of it by the 12th century abbess Hildegard of Bingen (these are her own compositions); the living Gregorian tradition as shown in settings of the Salve regina and Nunc dimittis, and as adapted in the medieval popular song In dulci jubilo; and Arvo Pärt’s reimagining of this tradition, partly in the Orthodox view. In particular there is his Da pacem, where the alto voice quotes a whole chant melody, running from start to finish of the piece. For a thousand years, chant represented all there was of ‘classical’ music. And it remains second to none in evoking the atmosphere of the great feast days.

In Dulci Jubilo

Scored for eight singers, a trio of piano, double bass and accordion, and narrator, Will Todd’s enchanting musical retelling of A Christmas Carol weaves the melodies of traditional Victorian carols and the midwinter chimes of handbells through each episode of Charles Dickens’s seasonal ghost story.

A Christmas Carol

Graham Ross and the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge return to Sinfonia Smith Square with ‘Bethlehem Star’, a sumptuous festive programme of carols and motets including choral works by Rheinberger, Arvo Pärt, Reena Esmail, James Whitbourn, Cecilia McDowall, Jonathan Dove, and Christmas’s favourite choral composer, Clare College alumnus John Rutter.

Bethlehem Star

Step into a world of enchantment and wonder as Sinfonia Smith Square perfoms a live orchestral soundtrack to the family-favourite film, ‘The Snowman and The Snowdog’, shown on the big screen.

The sequel to the beloved 1982 classic ‘The Snowman’, ‘The Snowman and The Snowdog’ is a heartwarming animated short film, lively and joyful in nature.

The Snowman And The Snowdog

Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor, Eric Whitacre, is among today’s most popular musicians. A graduate of The Juilliard School (New York), his works are programmed worldwide, and his ground-breaking Virtual Choirs have united well over 100,000 singers from more than 145 countries. Among his accolades and awards, in recent years Eric received the Richard D. Colburn Award from the Colburn School and an Honorary Doctor of Arts from Chapman University (CA).

Christmas With Eric Whitacre & The Eric Whitacre Singers

Experience the magic of the festive season with the irresistibly Christmassy sound of the LMP brass ensemble. Be transported to a musical winter wonderland, where Smith Square Hall comes alive with dazzling lights and festive décor. Gather your loved ones, don your best seasonal outfit and embrace the Christmas cheer at this family-friendly concert.

Christmas With London Mozart Players

On 12th December, two of the nation’s great musical ensembles join forces to celebrate the joy of Christmas.

We’ll be hosting an evening of Christmas choral classics (and audience carols!), so mark your calendars and come celebrate the sound of Christmas with us!

A Choral Christmas

Catriona Bourne is a multi-instrumentalist who has previously studied at institutions including Cambridge University and Trinity Laban Conservatoire, as well as through jazz organisations such as Tomorrow's Warriors.

She has performed at venues and events including the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall, Kings Place and London Jazz Festival. Although she studied classical harp throughout school, Catriona is most excited by the opportunities to improvise and compose for the harp. She recently recorded her debut album Triquetra, an impulsive dive into experimental jazz-infused folk that draws off her Scottish heritage, in a quartet featuring Francis Tulip, Joe Bainbridge and James Owston. Catriona has also worked as a session musician with a number of artists including world-jazz singer Lea Mondo and singer-songwriter Grace Angelica.

Jazz in the Crypt December 2024

Smith Square

Anna Lapwood MBE is an associate artist of the Royal Albert Hall (London) and holds the position of Director of Music at Pembroke College (Cambridge). She was awarded an Associateship of the Royal Academy of Music and the prestigious Gamechanger Award from the Royal Philharmonic Society in 2023. Anna regularly performs concertos with leading symphony orchestras and is heard playing recitals in concert halls and churches across Europe and the United States; she will make her debut appearance at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles in 2024. Anna has also performed with Alison Balsom, Bonobo and Benedict Cumberbatch.

A Pembroke Christmas

NYMT 24 Company come together to celebrate the highlights from across the season from Into The Woods, Catastrophe Bay, Our House, some teasers from our new musicals and from our upcoming 2025 season. Sprinkled with all the Christmas ‘trimmings’, joy and laughter, we close what’s been an extraordinary year.

Come and start Christmas with some of the Nation’s “future stars”.

Christmas Celebration

Following their sell-out tour in 2023, Wild Arts bring their fresh and innovative version of Handel’s Messiah to Sinfonia Smith Square for the first time.

The period specialist players of the Wild Arts Ensemble join the star singers of their summer opera tour for an enthralling version that will bring the music and story to life. The performance will include elements of improvised staging from a framework devised by theatre and opera director Tom Morris (Breaking the Waves, Dr Semmelweis, War Horse), with Wild Arts’ Artistic Director Orlando Jopling directing from the keyboard.

Handel’s Messiah

Simon Johnson takes us on an Advent journey from darkness to light, via Bach’s seasonal chorales and through three towering masterworks: the dark-hued A minor Prelude & Fugue, the monolithic Pièce d’Orgue, and the joyous C major with it’s Christmas undercurrents.

Organ Recital

Kick off your Christmas celebrations with this uplifting and festive concert from the John Lewis Partnership’s Music Society. Featuring performances from various Partnership musical groups, the Cavendish Ensemble take on Patric Standford’s “ingenious” Carol Symphony, then join with Voices in Partnership for Cecilia McDowall’s popular Christmas Cantata Christus Natus Est. There will also be festive pieces performed by the chamber choir Cavendish Singers and jazz group Basement Jazz.

Jlp Music Society Christmas Concert

Join the boys of Libera for an inspirational selection of seasonal music and tracks from their albums including their very latest 2024 release – performed with orchestra.

Libera In Concert

Rachmaninoff and Khachaturian regarded themselves as descendants of Tchaikovsky. Shunning 20th century modernism, their late romantic style of heart-on-the-sleeve music, while questioned by critics and musicologists at the time, has endured with audiences to this day. Corinthian Orchestra returns to Sinfonia Smith Square with this not-to-be-missed programme of late romantic Russian music.

Corinthian Chamber Orchestra

This project is an encounter between two of the greatest English singer-songwriters, each a genius of his time and both renowned for beautiful melancholy. Nick Drake, who achieved little critical success during his lifetime, has since been widely acclaimed for his hauntingly beautiful music, influenced by poets such as William Blake, William Butler Yeats, and Henry Vaughan. Although he died in 1974 at the age of just 26 years, Drake left behind a musical legacy that “throbs with [an] aching beauty” (Rolling Stone). Born almost 400 years earlier, John Dowland is best known for his melancholy songs of the English Renaissance, which express profound emotion and intricate artistry. This project also explores the romantic texts and the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian Bossa Nova, connecting the melancholic tones of Dowland and Drake with the dynamic musical innovations of artists like Powell, Jobim, and Bonfa.

Time Stands Still

Get ready for the Festive Season with the Parliament Choir as we perform Handel’s masterpiece – of one of the best loved choral works in the Western world. The Choir of the UK Parliament is an inclusive organisation, where politicians of all parties and staff work harmoniously together. It is well-loved and has performed to large and enthusiastic audiences in iconic venues such as Westminster Hall, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, the Royal Festival Hall, the Banqueting House, Coventry Cathedral and York Minster. It has been an ambassador for the UK and the UK Parliament in Berlin (Bundestag), the Czech Republic (St Vitus Cathedral), Italy (Anghiari Festival in Tuscany and the Papal Basilica of St Pauls outside the Walls, Rome), Slovenia (the Slovenian Parliament) and France (Notre Dame de Paris).

Kensington Symphony Orchestra returns to Sinfonia Smith Square on Monday 25 November, when soprano Monica McGhee joins the group for a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No.4 (1899-1900).

Mahler’s Fourth Symphony

Each of the symphonies follows a unique trajectory radiating an absolute directness that makes his music totally accessible. The nine symphonies are among the greatest achievements of the human spirit. Beethoven’s nine symphonies – composed between 1800 and 1824 – are true cornerstones of the classical canon. Marking an irrefutable turning point in the history of music, they transformed audiences’ expectations of the symphony and influenced the genre’s future development through their experimental, dramatic and expressive weight. Conductors have long been drawn to the profundity of these works: a complete cycle of Beethoven symphonies is viewed as one of the ultimate challenges in the repertoire, and Sushanskya presents her vision of the works in performances and a complete recorded set in 2024.

Beethoven: The Symphonies, Nos. 1 And 3

Platinum Consort, described by BBC Radio 3 as a ‘vocal supergroup’, returns to Sinfonia Smith Square for their fourth annual performance of Handel’s most beloved masterpiece, Messiah. Conductor Scott Inglis-Kidger uniquely combines Platinum’s top class professional consort singers and choristers, recreating the sound-world of the first performances in Dublin and London. With soloists stepping out from the choir and the period instrument orchestra, Platinum 415, this performance will prove to be the Messiah of the season.

Join one of London’s foremost young professional orchestras in a celebration of two of Britain’s finest composers, Sir Malcom Arnold and Matthew Taylor. Arnold’s music was renowned for its amazing humour and emotional warmth – qualities that radiate through Matthew’s music in abundance. In the year of Matthew’s 60th birthday, we show our gratitude for Matthew’s dedication to continuing the British symphonic tradition by performing his latest symphony, commissioned by the Malcom Arnold Trust in 2021.

Matthew Taylor’s 60th Birthday Concert

An award-winning classical pianist of Nigerian-Filipino heritage, Adam Heron is the titleholder of the 2020 Harriet Cohen Bach Prize, and a laureate of multiple British and international competitions. Born in Hong Kong, he rose to prominence following his 2018 television debut as a BBC Young Musician piano finalist. Through his unique artistry, coupled with an innate flair for communication, Adam strives to become a leading ambassador for classical music. 

Piano Recital

This project first came about in 2023 and pays tribute to Oscar Peterson and his trio through performances of well-known songs and compelling original arrangements in Peterson’s style. The Oscar Peterson Trio was one of the most influential groups of its time, and Will, Simon and Murray encapsulate the blend of high level of precision and ‘feel’ this music demands. As a trio, they have performed with NYJO and UK jazz pioneers such as Gareth Lockrane. Individually, they have performed with notable names such as Jean Toussaint, Peter Long and Rob Barron. They are particularly excited to come together for this project.

Jazz in the Crypt November 2024

Do you remember the first piece of music that changed your life? That piece you stumbled upon, somewhere in a parent’s record collection, on a weary car radio, or in the depths of a YouTube playlist? And how, every time that you return to that piece, a whole world of memories are re-awakened? They cease to become just songs or movements: they’re a part of you, a bookmark in the story of your life.

Stories

A ‘concerto for birds and orchestra’, Rautavaara’s ‘Cantus Arcticus’ blends recorded birdsong from the Arctic Circle with hauntingly beautiful orchestral music. This is followed by Lutosławski’s compelling and atmospheric Fourth Symphony which packs a dazzling variety of sounds into a brief but eventful two movements. Folk-inspired ‘Suita Rustica’ by Kaprálová draws on traditional Moravian melodies to create a colourful and energetic tribute to her Czech heritage. The evening ends with Martinů’s big-hearted Fourth Symphony, written in America in 1945, an optimistic work brimming with lyrical melodies.

FSO - Martinů, Lutosławski, Rautavaara, Kaprálová

Westminster School’s orchestras return to Sinfonia Smith Square for their annual concert with a performance of Sibelius’ 2nd Symphony in D Major and Bizet’s Carmen Suites.

Westminster School Orchestral Concert

In a year of crisis, Mahler was grieving the death of his daughter, ousted from his post at the Vienna State Opera, and finally diagnosed with a fatal heart condition which robbed him of his much-loved walks among the woods, lakes, and mountains of the Austrian countryside.

Humanity And Nature

Exceptional students from the Purcell School return to Sinfonia Smith Square for their flagship autumn concert. Ensembles from all classical departments present a varied programme of music linked by themes of Remembrance.

Schubert And Strauss

Join us for a captivating classical music concert featuring Ponte London Orchestra – comprised of professional Hong Kong musicians based in the UK. This seasonal concert promises a delightful blend of Hong Kong and Viennese music. Experience the rich cultural exchange and the exceptional musical prowess of Hong Kong artists. Do not miss this unforgettable performance of enchanting melodies.

2024 Annual Concert of Ponte London Orchestra

Ben Collyer, Sinfonia Smith Square’s Organ Fellow, presents a concert of classics and brand new works, including Francis Pott’s ‘Rhapsody on an Old Hungarian Folk Song’, a piece that Pott composed for Ben in 2024.

Benjamin Collyer - Organ Recital

There’s nothing like playing without a conductor to keep an orchestra on its toes, recognising their full responsibility for shaping and driving the music forward. Our annual collaboration with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields – world leaders in this art – puts the power in our players’ hands and provides them with expertise from the professional frontline.

Rush Hour #2: Leaders

St John's Waterloo

The Outcry Ensemble continue our ‘Music for a Great City’ series exploring the essence of a city as portrayed through its music, its history, its people and their perpetual sense of spirit through a rich variety of pieces, 

Music For A Great City: Cries Of London

Richard Wagner’s epic tale of love, feuding families, betrayal and retribution in a concert performance by the London Opera Company with full orchestra, as they return to Smith Square Hall following their triumphant and critically acclaimed Tristan und Isolde and Die Walküre.

Siegfried

Tasting Notes redefines the classic wine tasting experience. Enjoy the fusion of wine and music as you’re served a selection of canapés and 5 quality wines which have been thoughtfully paired with string quartets. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a newcomer, you’ll be made to feel welcome as our wine expert and quartet leader guide you through the evening with friendly and informative spoken introductions to enhance your tasting experience.

Tasting Notes: France

Students from the Royal Academy of Music perform alongside pianist, composer and Chief Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ryan Wigglesworth.  

An opportunity to hear chamber music gems for piano and winds and piano and strings by Beethoven and Brahms. Beethoven’s bold and virtuosic quintet creates an exciting pairing with the generous textures of Brahms’ work.  

Academy Chamber Ensembles With Ryan Wigglesworth

The London Choral Sinfonia brings an evening of 20th Century performance to launch their 2024-5 season of music. Commissioned to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The ‘Symphony of Psalms was written whilst Igor Stravinsky was in his neoclassical period. The text of three Psalms (39,4 and 150) and influences by composers including Bach create this intriguing piece. The three movement ‘Chichester Psalms’ saw Leonard Bernstein choose texts from a number of psalms to create tuneful, tonal contemporary piece, first performed in 1965. A stunning evening of music not to be missed.

Bernstein & Stravinsky

London Phoenix Orchestra present a programme of English music to open their 2024/25 season. The centrepiece is Elgar’s majestic Symphony No. 1, of which the composer wrote “There is no program beyond a wide experience of human life with a great charity (love) and a massive hope in the future”. Brilliant young cellist Ben Tarlton joins the orchestra for Walton’s magical Cello Concerto. Ethel Smyth’s stirring overture to her most famous opera, The Wreckers.

Autumn Concert

“Within Her Arms is music for my mother, with all my love”. Scored for 15 strings, Anna Clyne’s deeply felt meditation on loss opens the concert. BBC Young Musician String Final winner Jaren Ziegler performs Walton’s turbulent Viola Concerto. Premiered by Paul Hindemith alongside the composer himself, the Concerto was met with great enthusiasm which brought Walton to the forefront of British classical music. Following the interval, promising young conductor Stone Tung leads the Albion Orchestra through Richard Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben. First performed in 1899, the work takes the listener through the journey of a hero’s life, who appears to be Strauss himself.

Albion Orchestra: Walton And Ein Heldenleben

Wowed by the exceptional vocal mastery soprano Hera Hyesang Park makes her K-Music Festival debut with a fresh re-interpretation of traditional Korean songs following her concert at the Edinburgh International Festival this summer.

K-music 2024: Hera Hyesang Park With David Junghoon Kim

As you experience an orchestra from within, free to move between the instruments, discover a story of beauty, patience, peril and hope. Take control of the mixing desk and choose how you want to encounter extraordinary nature-inspired music by Richard Wagner, Dobrinka Tabakova, Nadia Boulanger, Michael Nyman and more.

The Orchestral Forest

Orchestral arrangements of masterpieces by Komitas including Vagharshapat Dance, medley of famous film soundtracks by Tigran Mansurian, popular film soundtracks and songs by Robert Amirkhanyan, special arrangements of Charles Aznavour songs for the chamber orchestra performed by NCOA and KCCA as well as well-known soloists with conductor Sipan Olah.

Musical Spectacular

Following successful debuts in both opera houses and concerts halls across Europe and North America, British-American conductor Johann Stuckenbruck is fast establishing himself as an outstanding talent on the international stage. Salomon Orchestra are excited to be working with him for this performance of Mahler’s epic seventh symphony.

Mahler’s Seventh Symphony

Ben Bloor is the Organist of the London Oratory Church where he accompanies the professional adult choir for weekly Mass and Vespers and oversees the famous Downes/Walker organ. He combines this with a busy freelance recital career and the post of School Organist at Westminster School, where he teaches organ and plays for services in Westminster Abbey. Previously, he held organ scholarships at Derby Cathedral, St George’s Chapel Windsor Castle, New College Oxford and Westminster Cathedral. Ben was the winner of the 2012 Northern Ireland International Organ Competition, and was awarded second prizes in the Boston Bach International Organ Competition 2018 and the Canadian International Organ Competition in 2021. In 2023, he won the Douglas May Award at the St Albans International Organ Competition. 

Music’s a powerful thing. It can draw tears, invoke fear, and spark joy. It can bridge monumental boundaries. It can connect two like-minded people across the bustle of a crowded room. It can also inspire revolution.

In this Rush Hour concert, Sinfonia Smith Square rouse the spirits with works that embody the transformative power of music. These pieces, filled with grandeur and passion, have the ability to move and unite us. They are the rallying cries of change.

Rush Hour #1: Anthems

St John’s Church, Waterloo

Join City of London Sinfonia and science communicator, climate physicist, and author Dr Simon Clark on a journey across the globe from pole to pole, taking in the freezing desolation of the tundra, the scorching heat of the desert, and the humid claustrophobia of the tropics. The soundtrack to your adventure will be a selection of classical pieces representing the cloud formations we encounter as we make our way from the Antarctica to the Arctic. Revisit old favourites such as Vivaldi’s Summer invoking the altocumulus castellanus – small individual fluffy clouds home in the tropics, which look cute but can warn of thunderstorms, with dynamic lightning.

Music From Pole To Pole

Kensington Symphony Orchestra begins its 2024/25 season at Sinfonia Smith Square on Monday 14th October, when conductor Russell Keable leads the group in a performance of Richard Strauss’s tone poem Ein Heldenleben, or A Hero’s Life (1898).

Barber, Kaprálová, Strauss

BLSO orchestral workshops enable musicians in the blue light community to come together and experience orchestral playing in a safe and supportive environment. These events require no ongoing commitment, a barrier to shift workers joining regular orchestras. Many of our musicians have returned to the joy of playing after many years because our events are tailored to their needs. We are delighted to be joined by pianist Schay Wickham, who served as a police officer in London before returning to his first love, music. Please support your emergency services by joining us for this special evening of music played by some very special people.

The Blue Light Symphony Orchestra

Those familiar with Polyphony’s annual sell-out performances of Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s St John Passion at Sinfonia Smith Square will not want to miss this special concert, which follows a performance of the same programme at the Tetbury Music Festival.

The Romantic English

A chamber concert juxtaposing Piano Trios written by two hugely influential composers of the genre: Beethoven and Shostakovich. Their differences highlight the profound changes that music underwent during modernity. The Beethoven trio, an early work, is written with musical language that is congruent and charming – hallmarks of the Classical Style – reflecting the profound influence Mozart and Haydn had on the young composer.

Lunchtime Concert

Regents Opera present a concert with no singers(!). In their tradition of presenting very large works, it doesn’t get much bigger than the Strauss Alpine Symphony! Their lead cellist Alison Holford plays the Walton Cello Concerto, and, as this is in aid of their upcoming Ring Cycle, they include Wagner’s joyous Overture to Act 3 of Lohengrin.

Strauss: ‘an Alpine Symphony’

James Norrey, Organist of St Bartholomew the Great, will perform major and popular works by Mozart, Duruflé Howells and Guilmant on the stunning Klais organ at Smith Square. James is known for his flair and use of a wide tonal palette.

Praised for his “brilliant, infectious enthusiasm” (The Spectator), the young British conductor Jack Gonzalez-Harding, a rising star, returns to Smith Square Hall to perform this heartfelt programme of 20th century British music.

Jack Gonzalez-harding: Vaughan Williams

The second concert in our ‘Music for a Great City’ series begins with Britten’s energetic Purcell-inspired Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, originally written for the London Symphony Orchestra, followed Copland’s Music for a Great City from which our series takes its name, an evocative homage to the vibrant pulse of urban life. The Te Deum by Stephen Dodgson, whose centenary we celebrate this year, interweaves the personal texts of Mary Tudor martyrs with the traditional ‘Te Deum’ text, in a work that is unsettled but ultimately inspires us with the beauty of calm, steadfast faith and internal strength in troubled times – only too relevant today. The concert concludes with Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, a dramatically ebullient choral tour de force portraying the biblical story of the fall of Babylon.

Music For A Great City: A Feast Fit For A City

Freshly formed Creation Sinfonia and Campanile Chamber Choir presents Haydn’s timeless classic, The Creation.

Conducted by Sinfonia Smith Square Fellowship alumnus Francis Bushell, the Creation Sinfonia is an orchestra that has sprung from the 2023-24 Sinfonia Smith Square Fellowship.

Haydn: The Creation

The world is at a critical moment of conversation and action around protecting the climate, the natural world and the beings that share our planet.

City of London Sinfonia and Professor James Sparks explore the fundamental patterns of life on this earth, and the beauty and inspirations they enable – through the work of two great musicians, Béla Bartók and John Adams.

Shimmering Interference

Marking an irrefutable turning point in the history of music, they transformed audiences’ expectations of the symphony and influenced the genre’s future development through their experimental, dramatic and expressive weight. Conductors have long been drawn to the profundity of these works: a complete cycle of Beethoven symphonies is viewed as one of the ultimate challenges in the repertoire, and Sushanskya presents her vision of the works in performances and a complete recorded set in 2024.

Beethoven: The Symphonies, Nos. 2 And 7

An Englishman, a Frenchman, a German, an Italian and a Spaniard all get washed up on a remote desert island. The colourful flora and fauna suggest an enticing paradise, and the resident nymphs prove pleasantly attentive. But a shadow is cast when our intrepid Europeans discover that this tropical speck of land is ruled by a capricious sorceress – a mere 800 years old, and drop-dead gorgeous – who has the disconcerting habit of transforming her discarded lovers into rocks, trees or animals. But it is so difficult to resist falling in love…The Venetian composer Giuseppe Gazzaniga was famous for his fluent, joyful and graceful music.

Giuseppe Gazzaniga: ‘alcina’s Island’

CBeebies friends JoJo & Gran Gran are on board the Bristol Beacon submarine with a Gran Gran plan, and Andy has his safari sub at the ready.

Cbeebies Prom: Ocean Adventure

Beacon Hall

From jazz to soul, this uplifting choir event directed by UK vocal coach (The Voice) and musical director, Mike King, features five fantastic choirs raising money and awaremess for the MyCool Music Foundation that aims to make a positive difference to individuals and communities through music.

Mycool Singers And Friends In Concert

In an intimate underground venue that draws you deep into the heart of Lucretia’s story, experience Britten’s remarkable, gripping opera, staged by some of the brightest young opera professionals in the UK.

The Rape Of Lucretia

The Thames Tunnel Shaft

Hot off the plane from their annual Festival in Tuscany, Sinfonia Smith Square bring a taste of Italy to their home in Westminster with a whistle-stop tour of some much-loved Italian music. Grab some gelato and let us transport you to an Italian piazza featuring works by Puccini, Vivaldi and Einaudi.

Throughout the performance audiences are invited on a journey through Smith Square, discovering works by much-loved Italian composers including Puccini, Vivaldi, Einaudi and Ennio Morricone. For the finale, join us inside Smith Square Hall, our beautiful baroque Grade I listed home, for one final immersive performance within the orchestra.

Sinfonia Smith Square’s Guide To Italy

Rachmaninoff’s masterful work, described by Classic FM as “an unassailably epic work of genius”, tells a story of hope and light in a time of darkness and personal struggle. It is instantly recognisable and wonderfully memorable. It is paired with the second symphony of Johannes Brahms, beautifully evoking the summertime in which it was composed. An evening of splendid symphonic repertoire in the hands of some of the finest emerging professional orchestral musicians.

Summer At Snape

Snape Maltings

Join Duggee, Bluey, the Octonauts and lots more of your CBeebies friends to celebrate the natural world in music and song at the spectacular Wildlife Jamboree.

Andy Day, Ashley Joseph, Maddie Moate, Puja Panchkoty and Rhys Stephenson are planning the most unusual animal choir. With Dodge T. Dog in charge of invitations, there will be plenty of fun and maybe a wildlife muddle or two.

EPSG:4326

Cbeebies Prom: Wildlife Jamboree

Royal Albert Hall

Anghiari 15: Symphonic Concert

Piazza IV Novembre

Anghiari 13: Symphonic Concert

Anghiari 9: Concert For Strings

Anghiari 7: Concert For Wind

Rimma Sushanskaya, Principal Associate Conductor of the National Symphony, starts her complete cycle of Beethoven symphonies in 2024 with Symphonies No. 6 and 8. Each of the symphonies follows a unique trajectory radiating an absolute directness that makes his music totally accessible.

Beethoven: The Symphonies, Nos. 6 And 8

In case of wet weather this concert will be at the Theatre in Piazza IV Novembre.

Anghiari 4: ‘der Herr Ist Mit Mir’

Pieve di Santa Maria alla Sovara

Anghiari 3: Sung Mass

Anghiari 1: Chamber Concert

Piazza Mameli

In case of wet weather the concert will be at the Theatre in Piazza IV Novembre.

Sinfonia Smith Square

Dec 22, 2024

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

Dec 23, 2024

Handel’s Messiah

Jan 21, 2025

Music as Medicine: How To Harness Its Therapeutic Power, with Daniel Levitin

Jun 20, 2025

Pictures At An Exhibition With The Berkeley Ensemble

Dec 21, 2024

Christmas Fantasia

Dec 20, 2024

Christmas Concert at Westminster Abbey

Articles & News

Sinfonia Smith Square