Barbican Presents
Barbican Presents brings some of the greatest international classical artists, orchestras and ensembles to London, in a stimulating and eclectic mix of classical, contemporary, and Baroque music.
Barbican Members enjoy 20% off tickets and pay no booking fees across the Barbican Presents season (subject to availability). Find out more.
Events
Zadie Smith and the BBC Symphony Orchestra
Zadie Smith, one of the most influential cultural figures in Britain joins the BBC Symphony Orchestra for a concert blurring boundaries between music and words.
ECHO Rising Stars: Simply Quartet
Simply Quartet are, simply, ‘one of the brightest quartets of its generation’ says Vladimir Balshin. As cellist of one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished chamber groups, he should know.
Vivaldi: Sacred and Secular
Spend a day with the music of Baroque master Antonio Vivaldi and in the company of John Holiday, ‘one of the finest countertenors of his generation' (LA Times).
Joyce DiDonato: Eden
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Joyce DiDonato explores the majesty, might and mystery of nature, contemplating our place on this planet through the magic of theatre and the transformative power of music.
Jess Gillam with Zeynep Özsuca and Sam Becker
It’s hard not to be drawn in by Jess Gillam, an outstanding saxophonist with a bubbling personality to match. Come and see for yourself as she does what she loves to do most – make music with friends.
Jonas Kaufmann/Diana Damrau: Schumann and Brahms Love Songs
Have your emotions stirred by two of the world’s finest opera voices, as Diana Damrau and Jonas Kaufmann come together to sing songs of love by two of the Romantic period’s great lieder composers.
Czech Philharmonic/Semyon Bychkov: Glagolitic Mass
Marvel at the unstoppable force of the Czech Philharmonic celebrating the very best of their nation’s culture under Chief Conductor Semyon Bychkov, playing the music they were formed to play.
Czech Philharmonic/Semyon Bychkov & Yuja Wang: Má vlast
It’s rare phenomenal pianist Yuja Wang takes second billing, but here it’s the chance to see the Czech Philharmonic performing music that’s in their very lifeblood which you can’t possibly pass up.
Les Arts Florissants/William Christie
Seek the source of human inspiration under the guidance of William Christie and his exquisite Baroque ensemble in Handel’s poetic oratorio L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato.
Roderick Williams & Andrew West: A Twitcher's Delight
The beloved British baritone performs a programme he charmingly describes as a ‘Twitcher’s Delight’, inspired by the poetic and witty musings of French author Jules Renard.
Sarah Cahill: The Future is Female
Stroll through our serene Conservatory to the sounds of powerful women from across the centuries, as pianist Sarah Cahill debunks history to show that the past, present and future is female.
ECHO Rising Stars: Kebyart Ensemble
A saxophone quartet isn’t an ensemble you often find on a concert hall stage. The vibrant Kebyart Ensemble are here to change that, offering a fresh perspective on traditional classical performance.
Nonclassical: listening to place
Join us in the Hall or online to tune back into the sounds we unconsciously block out in the hustle and bustle of life with performances responding to the noises of the environments around us.
Orchestra of the Academy of Santa Cecilia/Pappano
Due to uncertainty around international travel, the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia has unfortunately had to cancel its entire February tour. All bookers have been contacted.
ECHO Rising Stars: Johan Dalene & Nicola Eimer
‘There’s a “presence” about Johan Dalene’s playing that announces a musician of special sensibilities’ (Gramophone). Come and see what all the fuss is about with this majorly talented young violinist.
Domenico Scarlatti: The Mirror of Human Frailty
Inventive, exuberant, and endlessly entertaining, the keyboard music of Domenico Scarlatti is a treasure-trove of musical possibilities. Explore a genius without limits in this afternoon celebration.
ECHO Rising Stars: Lucie Horsch & Thomas Dunford
Hear a musical conversation between Lucie Horsch, the ‘latest big thing in recorder playing’ (Guardian) and lutenist Thomas Dunford, as they showcase the versatility of their instruments.
Lise Davidsen & Leif Ove Andsnes
Indulge in a feast of Norwegian culture as two of the country’s finest musicians champion the beautiful music of their compatriot, Edvard Grieg, alongside popular lieder from Strauss and Wagner.
Discover
Barbican Sessions: Isata Kenneh-Mason
Isata Kanneh-Mason plays Brahms's Op 118, No 3 'Ballade' in our Fountain Room
Listen: Classical Music on Spotify
Follow our regularly updated Classical Music playlist for a sample of the music you'll hear across our programme.
Barbican Sessions: Satu Vänskä
In an empty Theatre, Satu Vänskä, Principal Violinist of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, performs JS Bach's ‘Allemande’ from Partita II in D minor.
Listen: Contemporary Classical on Spotify
Discover music from across the Contemporary Classical spectrum – from Judith Weir and George Benjamin to Nils Frahm and Max Richter.
Barbican Sessions: Jess Gillam
In an empty Level G foyer, Jess Gillam performs her ECHO Rising Stars commission: Edmund Finnis's A Spiral Ascending, Kurt Weill's Je ne t'aime pas and Astor Piazzolla's 'Nightclub 1960' from Histoire du Tango with Leif Kaner-Lidström and Sam Becker.
