LSO Music Director Sir Simon Rattle celebrates the sheer beauty of sound, in a pocket-sized concert with a French flavour.
Maybe it’s the effortless sense of style, maybe it’s that Parisian appetite for the finer things in life, but French music has a sound that’s entirely its own. Ravel waltzes elegantly through the end of the world, Debussy gives Shakespeare a very Gallic makeover, and Berlioz sets sail on the high seas, in his swashbuckling Le corsaire. And there’s a beautiful gem from Japan: a Zen garden in sound by the late, great Tōru Takemitsu.
Sir Simon Rattle has always loved the sound that French music makes, whether elegant and ethereal like Debussy and Ravel, or as unashamedly out-there as Hector Berlioz. Today he introduces and conducts some personal favourites, as well as a ravishing miniature from a Japanese master who was also a personal friend.
‘I think and feel in sounds.’ – Maurice Ravel
What is Half Six Fix?
A burst of music to start your evening, with a relaxed atmosphere and introductions from the conductor. More on the LSO website.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Following the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we confirm that this concert will go ahead as planned, with the addition of the National Anthem at the start of the concert.
Full LSO statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Posted Mon 12 Sep 2022, 11.30am
Concert will run till approximately 7:55pm
Programme
Performers
This is a past event. Subscribe to our newsletters to hear about upcoming events
Booking fees
£4 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Browse the London Symphony Orchestra's 2022–23 season
Hall
Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users in row U at the rear of the stalls (up to sixteen, depth of row 180cm) and the back row of the circle (four), both with fold-down companion seats. Some seats in row S of the stalls for people with very limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the concert hall where there are a limited number of suitable seats in row G of the stalls. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the cloakroom staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
There is an induction loop in the concert hall. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting.
Free large-print programmes
These are available for most of our concerts. Please contact [email protected] at least a week beforehand, to prebook a large-print programmme.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
