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Art events | Classical music events | Family events |
Top 10 events in London
- Clare Hammond solo piano; Lawson Trio - The Monday Platform - Programme includes; Haydn Piano Trio in Eb HXV:30, Schubert Piano Sonata in A D664, Schumann Piano Trio No. 3 in G minor Op. 110, Bach Italian Concerto in F BWV 971 and Ginastera Danzas argentinas Op. 2. 17 June. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
- Kopelman Quartet - Schubert, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky - After two decades as first violin with the Borodin Quartet, Mikhail Kopelman launched his own ensemble in 2002. The Kopelman Quartet comprises four generous musical personalities with around 150 years of collective experience to their credit. They play here contrast the radiant lyricism of Schubert’s ‘Rosamunde’ quartet with Shostakovich’s melancholic thirteenth string quartet and the heartfelt spontaneity of Tchaikovsky’s second string quartet. 18 June. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
- Geomungo Factory - The first-ever British concert by Korean cult legends Geomungo Factory, who’ve taken the geomungo – an ancient form of zither, played with a stick – and explored its future as well as its past. ‘You can’t make innovations if you don’t know the tradition’, they say, so the first half of this concert explores the throbbing, percussive, cello-like sounds of four geomungos. They let rip in the second half with their own compositions – dark, fascinating pieces that seem to evoke the sound world of Steve Reich, and include new instruments that they have created. 19 June. www.cadoganhall.com
- The Forsythe Company — Study # 3 - The Forsythe Company will present the UK premiere of Study # 3, a choreography by William Forsythe, created and premiered in Frankfurt in November 2012. Study # 3 includes movement sequences, compositional methods, music, text, props, costumes, lighting, scenery and technical effects from 30 works spanning the last 30 years. From 18 June until 20 June. www.sadlerswells.com
- Haydn London Symphonies by Candlelight - The Feinstein Ensemble present an atmospheric and historical concert, including Haydn’s renowned ‘London Symphonies’. 20 June. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
- Pansori Night: Ahn Sook-Sun - Pansori is Korean musical drama which delivers myths that have been passed on orally – with no musical notation, pansori is limitless and exciting, combining passion and humour. One of the greatest of all pansori singers, Ahn Sook-Sun, was the first Korean artist to play the Edinburgh International Festival, and has also played Womad. She makes a very rare appearance in London with a musical ensemble for this special programme which features Heungboga, one of the five great works of the pansori tradition, and also includes music for gayageum (a 12-string plucked instrument rather like the koto or zheng) and geomungo. 21 June. www.cadoganhall.com
- Calefax - Raaf Hekkema’s arrangements for saxophone have become a staple of the instrument’s concert repertoire. A founding member of Calefax, he joins his colleagues for a late-night date with Bach’s Goldberg Variations. ‘Hekkema is mad, but it is a brilliant kind of madness,’ observed the Dutch music magazine Luister of his saxophone version of Paganini’s Caprices. 21 June. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
- Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Trafalgar Sinfonia under conductor Ivor Setterfield present a programme a delightful bites of Pachelbel, Purcell, Vivaldi, Bach and Handel culminating in Mozart’s infamous work for chamber ensemble. 21 June. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
- Fretwork; Carolyn Sampson soprano - Byrd - By turns exquisite, uplifting, heartbreaking and entrancing, this programme of Byrd’s consort songs and instrumental works has something for every taste. The composer’s depth of expression and inventive range are matched to ideal performers in the form of Carolyn Sampson and Fretwork, outstanding interpreters of music from late Tudor and early Jacobean times. 22 June. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
- Swan Lake - Experience a magnificent choreographic kaleidoscope as the Royal Albert Hall is transformed into a magical lake for this unrivalled dance event. From the lakeside seats to the top of the Hall, this in-the-round production of the world’s favourite ballet combines sensational spectacle, compelling drama and touching intimacy. With international guest artists joining English National Ballet to share the lead roles of Odette / Odile and Prince Siegfried, witness the superb line-up of over 120 performers as 60 swans glide across the arena floor. Until 23 June. www.royalalberthall.com
- Till Fellner piano - Bach, Mozart, Haydn and Schmann - Till Fellner made his name as an interpreter of the Viennese classics. The Austrian pianist, born in 1972, took a sabbatical from public performance in 2012 to study new repertoire. He returns to Wigmore Hall with a coruscating programme of works crowned by Schumann’s Études symphoniques Op. 13, a virtuosic set of variations on a theme. 24 June. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
- Death in Venice - Two unspoken themes run throughout Britten’s much-admired opera: the impossible passion that a troubled writer forms for a fellow hotel guest, and the cholera epidemic which the authorities are all too keen to hush up. In Death in Venice, Britten revisits the subject of corruption of youth and innocence that so fascinated him and delivers a haunting theatrical experience of consummate power. Deborah Warner’s production of Britten’s final opera celebrates the composer’s centenary year and reaffirms ENO’s position as the world’s leading producer of his operas. This production reunites award-winning director Warner with ENO Music Director Edward Gardner, who returns to Britten following ENO’s productions of Billy Budd (2012) and Peter Grimes (2009), for which his conducting was described as ‘deeply musical’ (Financial Times). Until 26 June. www.eno.org
- Bach and Vivaldi Violin Concerti - Ofer Falk leads the London Musical Arts Ensemble in this beautiful programme of works by two of the greatest Baroque composers. 27 June. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
- Marc-Andre Hamelin piano - Ives and Brahms - There is always a sense of occasion when Marc-André Hamelin performs, magnified by the Canadian pianist’s total immersion in his typically bold repertoire choices and compelling musicianship. Hamelin’s latest Wigmore Hall programme promises to be no exception, as he embraces virtuoso pianism with works by Ives and Brahms. 27 June. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
- The Perfect American - Based on Peter Stephan Jungk’s novel and written by Philip Glass, one of the world’s most important composers, The Perfect American imagines the final months of Walt Disney’s life, including mythical imaginings of Abraham Lincoln and Andy Warhol. This latest opera from Glass, his 24th, was commissioned by ENO and Teatro Real Madrid to mark his 75th birthday. British theatre director Phelim McDermott returns following his spectacular production of Satyagraha for ENO and the Metropolitan Opera, New York, described as ‘transfixing musically and visually’ (The Guardian). The design is by leading international designer Dan Potra, whose work on the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games ceremony was widely acclaimed. Fresh from his exceptional performance as Mephistopheles in Terry Gilliam’s 2011 Damnation of Faust, acclaimed British baritone Christopher Purves is Walt Disney, while soprano Janis Kelly creates the role of Disney’s studio nurse and confidante. Until 28 June. www.eno.org
- Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight - London Concertante is one of the finest chamber ensembles in the country, and tonight they perform a varied programme centered around Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. 29 June. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
- Salomon Orchestra celebrates Movie Classics - Conducted by Philip Ellis and featuring guest vocalist Olivia Safe, Salomon Orchestra plays classic pieces for all generations with music and songs from early technicolor hits like The Wizard of Oz through to Star Wars and recent blockbusters like Harry Potter. A full symphony orchestra of high-calibre musicians enthusiastically performing for the love of it, Salomon Orchestra also works with a different conductor for each concert, making every show unique. 29 June. www.cadoganhall.com
- La Bohème - Puccini’s gift for writing emotional music is brought to the fore in La bohème’s tale of doomed love in poverty-stricken Paris. One of the world’s most recognised and widely performed operas, it focuses on two central relationships: that of the poet Rodolfo, who falls in love with the pretty but consumptive seamstress Mimì; and the painter Marcello, who has a glamorous and popular on-off mistress, Musetta. Jonathan Miller’s production for ENO has quickly become a company classic and here receives its second revival since its 2009 premiere. Inspired by Brassaï’s photographs of the Paris Left Bank in the 1930s, Miller modernises the original bohemian setting to evoke the stark poverty of the day, creating a highly effective contemporary resonance, citing the film Withnail and I as an inspiration. Until 29 June. www.eno.org
- Some Like it Hip Hop - This irresistible dance musical unites breathtaking dancing with a clever and engrossing storyline, and is full of fizzing energy, razor-sharp choreography and a captivating, original score - performed by an insanely talented cast! Until 30 June. www.sadlerswells.com
- Royal Choral Society - Mendelssohn's Elijah - The Royal Choral Society returns to the Barbican to perform Mendelssohn's Biblical epic, Elijah. Singing the original German libretto, the assembled ranks of this 'Rolls Royce of choirs' (Classical Source) will bring power and drama to this magnificent oratorio. The brilliant bass Christopher Purves sings the role of Elijah alongside a stellar line up of soloists with the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Richard Cooke. 2 July. www.barbican.org.uk
- Imogen Cooper piano - Schubert - Imogen`s programme comprises two works, the C major and A minor sonatas, written in 1825. Schubert abandoned his Piano Sonata in C after completing only two of its intended four movements. The piece was mistakenly published in 1861 as the composer’s final work, a noble ‘relic’ from a great master. 2 July. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
- Monteverdi Vespers by Candlelight - Ivor Setterfield conducts the New London Singers and Trafalgar Sinfonia in Monteverdi’s seminal choral work. 4 July. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
- London Phoenix Orchestra - A Night at the Movies III - London Phoenix Orchestra returns to Cadogan for a colourful programme of music from the Silver Screen. From the swashbuckling bravado of Korngold’s Sea Hawk to the exciting adventure of Star Wars, relive your favourite movie moments in a concert that has a little bit of everything. 4 July. www.cadoganhall.com
- Baroque Festival by Candelight - London Musical Arts will celebrate twenty-one years of performance at St Martin’s in 2013. Join them and violinist Joshua Fisher for this beautiful programme of Baroque brilliance. 5 July. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
- Sergey Khachatryan violin; Lusine Khachatryan piano - Ysaÿe, Debussy, Chausson and Franck - Born in 1858 in Liege, Ysaÿe was the most famous violin virtuoso of his time and a pioneer of 20th-century violin playing. Sergey and Lusine Khachatryan present a first half of his sonatas interspersed with short works by the violinist–composer’s friends, Saint-Saëns and Debussy among them, culminating in the second half with César Franck’s ineffably beautiful Sonata in A. 6 July. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk
- A Celebration of Henry Purcell - The Elysian Singers and the Craswall Players celebrate the music of the English composer Purcell with a performance of two of his best known works: ‘Dido and Aeneas’ and ‘Welcome to All the Pleasures’. 9 July. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
- The French Connection - London Concert Choir with Southbank Sinfonia - Both Debussy’s Prélude and Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe are impressionistic and colourful depictions of mythical landscapes dominated by the seductive melodies of a flute. These scenes of pagan sensuality are framed by Faure’s serene and elegiac Requiem and Poulenc’s joyful setting of the Gloria. 10 July. www.barbican.org.uk
- Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik by Candlelight - Specialising in the historically accurate performance of music from the 18th century, the Feinstein Ensemble’s concerts and recordings of the Baroque repertoire have been acclaimed internationally. 11 July. www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
- Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company — Quimeras - Legendary flamenco guitarist, composer, dramatist and producer Paco Peña returns to Sadler’s Wells with his latest narrative work Quimeras, directed by Southbank Centre artistic director Jude Kelly. Exploring the lure of travel and the dream of people everywhere of finding a better life - and the profound influence that the African continent has had on European culture - Quimeras tells the story of a group of Africans who have come to Spain in search of work. Over a career that spans more than four decades, Peña has expanded the possibilities of flamenco and changed perceptions of the art form by mining the richness of its traditions while continuing to be inspired by contemporary culture. With Quimeras, he draws on his own experience of living in Andalusia, a gateway to Europe for many north African immigrants. The result is a marriage of both traditional Spanish and African music and dance, creating a spectacle of virtuoso performances and intimate storytelling which was described as “breathtakingly beautiful” (Daily Telegraph). From 10 July until 13 July. www.sadlerswells.com
- Concerts in the Park - Programme dates: 3 July at 8pm - Stage and Screen, 13 July at 3pm - British Army Brass Band featuring Brett Baker and Les Neish, 20 July at 3pm - Army Big Band, 20 July at 7pm - AGC Band & Army Big Band - (Rock and Pop) and 24 July at 8pm - Last Night of the Proms. Each concert represents a valuable training opportunity for Student Bandmasters and trainees in performing a varied programme of music including classical, show, military, pop, vocal, novelty acts and more. Bring your own picnics and refreshments, blankets and chairs or buy on site. RMSM, Kneller hall, Twickenham, TW2 www.army.mod.uk
- English National Ballet - A Tribute to Rudolf Nureyev - 75 years after Nureyev's birth and 20 since his death, English National Ballet celebrates the legacy of this uniquely gifted dancer from his traditional classical beginnings through to his inspirational innovation. Petrushka is a hopelessly romantic puppet trapped in a love triangle with the Ballerina and the Moor, choreographed by Fokine to Stravinsky’s score. Nureyev danced Petrushka throughout his career and all around the world. Song of a Wayfarer by Maurice Béjart is one of the most beautiful ballets ever created for the male dancer, set to Mahler’s first song cycle. This work marked Nureyev’s move to the French contemporary repertoire in the early 1970s. Raymonda Act III was choreographed by Marius Petipa, creator of The Sleeping Beauty. The celebratory final act contains some of his finest work to Glazunov’s magnificent score. Nureyev mounted this version in 1969, a memory of his formative years at the Mariinsky. From 25 July until 27 July. www.eno.org
- Nicola Benedetti - One of the world's most sought-after classical violinists performs at the Hall in an exclusive one-off recital. Winner of the Classic BRIT Award for Best Female Artist in 2012 and described as a ‘risk-taking performer’, violinist Nicola Benedetti is right at the top of the classical music world and regularly captivates audiences and critics alike with her musicality and poise. 25 September. www.royalalberthall.com
- Disney Fantasia: Live in Concert - Disney shares one of its crown jewels of feature animation showcasing selections from Walt Disney's original Fantasia and Disney's Fantasia 2000, featuring a selection of the magnificent repertoire from both films including Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite and, performed and screened simultaneously for the first time in the UK, Ponchielli's Dance of the Hours, the great ballet of hippos, elephants, ostriches, and alligators. Other iconic moments from Disney’s stunning footage, such as Mickey Mouse as he dabbles in magic in Dukas' The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and the mythical unicorns and winged horses that accompany Beethoven’s 'Pastoral' Symphony, will also be shown in high definition on the big screen. With live underscore by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Ludwig Wicki, this is another chance to relive this timeless classic for a unique cinematic experience in the majestic setting of the Royal Albert Hall. 16 November. www.royalalberthall.com
- Lang Lang - Following his sold-out Beethoven Piano Concerto cycle in 2012, the Royal Albert Hall is delighted to welcome back Lang Lang for these exclusive recitals of Mozart and Chopin, performed in-the-round. 15th & 17th November. www.royalalberthall.com
