Classical music at London’s Barbican in 2024-25

The Barbican announces its autumn and winter season of classical music for 2024-2025

Across the 2024-25 season, with its family of orchestral residents, associates and partners, the Barbican will present a typically eclectic programme of symphonic magnitude, technical mastery and illuminating storytelling – across a millennium of human creativity and music making.

Helen Wallace, Head of Music says: ‘The Barbican music programme always strives to be ambitious, international and relevant. Across both our own programme, and those of our resident and associate ensembles, 2024-25 hums with creativity. From exciting new music theatre work and cross-cultural collaborations, welcome returns from both the Simón Bolivar Orchestra and Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Yo-Yo Ma and Darbar Festival, to debuts from Sir Antonio Pappano as the LSO’s Chief Conductor, Spinifex Gum, LOD muziektheater and more, we’re offering audiences a rich array of perspectives, captivating performances and, above all, brilliant art music.

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The Royal Ballet’s triple bill celebrates Kenneth MacMillan’s choreographic legacy

United KingdomUnited Kingdom MacMillan CelebratedDanses concertantes, Different Drummer and Requiem: Dancers of The Royal Ballet, Isabela Díaz (soprano), Josef Jeongmeen Ahn (baritone), Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Koen Kessels (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Ross MacGibbon) from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, to Cineworld Basildon, Essex, 9.4.2024. (JPr)

Danses concertantes featuring Isabella Gasparini © Tristram Kenton

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Historically informed: Southbank and the Barbican celebrate Easter with authentic Bach performances

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Bach: Soloists, Orchestra and Choir of the Age of Enlightenment / Peter Whelan (director and harpsichord). Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 27.3.2024. (CSa)

The Academy of Ancient Music conducted by Laurence Cummings in the Barbican Hall © Mark Allan

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The superb Asmik Grigorian is simply Mimì in a kimono in Covent Garden’s Madama Butterfly

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Puccini, Madama Butterfly: Soloists, Royal Opera Chorus, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Kevin John Edusei (conductor). Filmed (directed by Bridget Caldwell) on 26.3.2024 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and shown at Everyman Cinema, Chelmsford, Essex, 1.4.2024. (JPr)

[l-r] Hongni Wu (Suzuki), Josef Jeongmeen Ahn (Yamadori), Ya-Chung Huang (Goro), Asmik Grigorian (Cio-Cio-San) and Joshua Guerrero (Pinkerton) © Marc Brenner

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