Simon Rattle's free LSO Concert, Trafalgar Square
Free open-air concert by the London Symphony Orchestra is a musical farewell to its conductor
Sir Simon Rattle conducts the annual free Trafalgar Square concert
Grab a picnic and a rug, and head for Trafalgar Square for one of the happiest music events of the year. Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra perform live, and free, to an audience of 7,000, and all you have to do is turn up.
This free midsummer concert is borne out of a partnership between BMW and the LSO, and is a curtain-raiser to an incredible summer of live music in London, with the BBC Proms at its heart.
London is preparing to say Auf wiedersehn to Sir Simon, before he takes up his new post in Munich. And it is fitting that someone who has done so much to bring new audiences into music should put this great event, packed with international music, on the last page of his London diary.
Free music for all from the London Symphony Orchestra in Trafalgar Square
So, after a long pause for the Covid years, the annual open-air free concert is back. On the bill, two popular French Impressionist masterpieces, Claude Debussy’s La Mer and Maurice Ravel’s Boléro. Also played is music by John Adams, Stravinsky and Eloise Gynn.
The London Symphony Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle is at the top of its game, with exciting programmes, often at the Barbican, and imaginative ways of getting people into classical music, such as the Half Six Fix – one-hour concerts, after work, or before dinner, packed with music and interesting background. You can catch Sir Simon's final LSO in his current role at the BBC Proms.
His place at the LSO will be taken by Sir Antonio Pappano, currently music director at the Royal Opera House, where he begins his final season in September.
The LSO Midsummer Concert promises to be a fantastic occasion, but get there good and early to be sure of a place. Oh, and the organisers say, no glass please...
This free midsummer concert is borne out of a partnership between BMW and the LSO, and is a curtain-raiser to an incredible summer of live music in London, with the BBC Proms at its heart.
London is preparing to say Auf wiedersehn to Sir Simon, before he takes up his new post in Munich. And it is fitting that someone who has done so much to bring new audiences into music should put this great event, packed with international music, on the last page of his London diary.
Free music for all from the London Symphony Orchestra in Trafalgar Square
So, after a long pause for the Covid years, the annual open-air free concert is back. On the bill, two popular French Impressionist masterpieces, Claude Debussy’s La Mer and Maurice Ravel’s Boléro. Also played is music by John Adams, Stravinsky and Eloise Gynn.
The London Symphony Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle is at the top of its game, with exciting programmes, often at the Barbican, and imaginative ways of getting people into classical music, such as the Half Six Fix – one-hour concerts, after work, or before dinner, packed with music and interesting background. You can catch Sir Simon's final LSO in his current role at the BBC Proms.
His place at the LSO will be taken by Sir Antonio Pappano, currently music director at the Royal Opera House, where he begins his final season in September.
The LSO Midsummer Concert promises to be a fantastic occasion, but get there good and early to be sure of a place. Oh, and the organisers say, no glass please...
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| What | Simon Rattle's free LSO Concert, Trafalgar Square |
| Where | Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Embankment (underground) |
| When |
On 10 Jun 23, Free open-air concert |
| Price | £0 |
| Website | Click here for more information |