Saved events

No Friend But the Mountains

London Symphony Orchestra

Jonathan Lemalu looking at the camera

Inspired by Behrouz Boochani's book of his refugee journey and six-year-long incarceration in Manus Island, the LSO and Jonathan Lemalu give the UK premiere of this heart-stopping song-cycle.   

Conceived for chorus, soloist, and large orchestra, his richly-imagined score unfolds across twelve impassioned songs and interludes, faithfully shadowing the trajectory of Boochani’s ordeal. Addressing aspects of Australian history and identity, ‘a work such as this changes a composer’ Styles confesses. ‘This will always stand out as a milestone work for me’. 

Boochani eventually secured asylum in New Zealand – Lemalu’s country of birth. A Kathleen Ferrier Award winner, and former Royal Philharmonic Society Young Artist of the Year, bass-baritone Jonathan Lemalu ‘is a joy… with an earthy voice to savour’ says The Times

The end time for this concert will be added here closer to the performance date

Produced by the Barbican

Patrons get first access to Priority Booking with no booking fees added.

Become a Patron.

Members enjoy 20% off tickets.

No booking fees. 

Become a member

Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices for this performance.

2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability.

Become a Corporate Member

£10

Aged 14–25? Join Young Barbican for free.

Subject to availability.

Wheelchair spaces and free companion seats may now be booked online. 

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

Booking a wheelchair space: Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select wheelchair user ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the click the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected. 

Booking essential companion tickets: Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket. 

Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats: Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.

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

Subject to availability.

*Excludes £4 booking fee

Become a Patron

Our Patrons get access to tickets for sold-out performances, among other benefits.

Hall