Schools Concerts
Termly concerts at the Barbican Centre introducing music to classes at Key Stages 1 and 2, and secondary school age.
Our Schools Concerts at the Barbican are designed especially for Key Stages 1 and 2 and Secondary School audiences, and feature music based on a theme, presented in a fun and educational way. We normally offer at least two Key Stage 1 and two Key Stage 2 concerts per term, and one Secondary School concert per year.
How to Take Part
Teachers can apply for tickets for their class via an online form when booking opens. This is usually in the previous term for the following term’s concert. Please sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear when sign up for the next concert opens. Tickets are allocated via lottery, and you will be emailed once the deadline has passed to confirm if you have tickets. Priority is given to any schools who applied for the previous two consecutive terms but were not allocated tickets.
Tickets cost £4 per person (both student and adult tickets). The total is payable via invoice before the concert, sent to your school three to four weeks prior. We accept payment by BACS or cheque.
Access & SEN Provisions
All concerts are fully wheelchair accessible, and there are spaces for wheelchair users in row U at the rear of the Stalls and the back row of the Circle, both with fold-down companion seats. Some seats in row S of the Stalls are suitable for people with very limited mobility.
A BSL interpreter is booked for every concert. If you are attending with young people who have specific hearing access needs, please get in touch to let us know how we can support you.
We understand that young people, particularly those with special educations needs and disabilities, may make noise during the concert or need to leave the Hall. This is completely fine, and LSO and Barbican staff will be there to offer support on the day. We are currently trialling the provision of a quiet space in the Stalls Lounge, next to Door 4 (Level -1).
INSET Days
Free INSET days are included in the ticket price for teachers attending Key Stage 1 and 2 concerts, and take place at LSO St Luke’s, Old Street, usually one morning before the concert. These are an opportunity for teachers to be introduced to classroom projects linked to the concerts and to get to know any participation songs, learning the best techniques of teaching these to their class.
All teachers will receive a Project Pack which outlines the classroom activities and includes any additional resources to help prepare their pupils for the concert, including those who are not able to attend the INSET day.
Subscribe for Updates
To be the first to hear about future concert dates, please sign up to our Schools Concerts mailing list.
Get In Touch
To find out more about Schools Concerts, please email:
2024/25 Dates
Autumn Term
Key Stage 2
Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 November 2024, 10.40am & 12pm
Barbican Hall
Rachel Leach animateur
Catherine Larsen-Maguire conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
The concert is now sold out.
Key Stage 1
Monday 9 December 2024, 11am & 12.10pm
Barbican Hall
Bindi McFarlane animateur
Karen Nì Bhrion conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
The concert is now sold out.
For any queries about the Autumn Term concerts, contact Molly Moran: molly.moran@lso.co.uk
Spring Term
Booking is now open. Tickets are allocated via lottery. Priority will be given to schools who have applied for the previous two consecutive terms but have not been successful in obtaining tickets. Please apply for tickets by Monday 9 December 2024. We will be in touch by Monday 16 December 2024 to let you know the outcome of the ticket lottery. Any applications received after the deadline will be placed on a waiting list. Tickets cost £4 per person (student and adult) and are payable via invoice, which we will send to your school once tickets have been allocated.
Key Stage 1
Monday 24 March 2025 11am & 12.10pm
Barbican Hall
Rachel Leach animateur
Karen Ní Bhrion conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Join the LSO & Rachel Leach to learn more about the orchestra and tell a story.
Key Stage 2
Monday 31 March 2025 10.40am & 12pm
Barbican Hall
Paul Rissmann animateur
William Long conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Paul Rissmann and the LSO present ‘The Lost Thing’ as we travel to unknown lands and learn more about the orchestra on the way.
Secondary School
West Side Story – Bernstein Symphonic Dances
Tuesday 25 March 2025 12pm
Barbican Hall
Rachel Leach animateur
Karen Ní Bhrion conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Summer Term
Booking opens in February 2025
Key Stage 1
Wednesday 18 June 2025 11am & 12.10pm
Barbican Hall
Key Stage 2
Thursday 19 June 2025 10.40am & 12pm
Barbican Hall
FAQs
Yes, any school can apply for tickets. We have had schools attend from Reading and Brighton in the past year.
You will receive a ticket letter along with your invoice three to four weeks prior to the concert. You will need to bring this letter with you on the day of the concert.
Please get in touch as soon as soon as possible if you need to change the number of tickets ordered. We cannot change the number of tickets ordered after an invoice has been issued.
Please get in touch as soon as possible if you need to cancel your tickets. In the case of cancellations received after an invoice has been issued, you will still be expected to pay the full amount.
Yes. A Barbican-issued risk assessment for groups visiting the Centre will be sent with you booking confirmation.
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the concert starts. Doors to the Hall open 20 minutes before, and we cannot hold the concert for latecomers. We try to admit latecomers as soon as possible on arrival.
There is plenty of public, indoor space on the Barbican Foyers where you can after the concert to eat lunch. We are not able to book specific spaces for eating lunch.
Header image © Kevin Leighton
