Stories
Meet Tangram, Associate Artists at LSO St Luke's
As humans become more global, living outside places of birth or inhabiting multiple cultures, trailblazing collective Tangram’s mission will feel familiar to many. The group explores ideas of ‘transnational identity’ through celebrating Chinese and Western cultures in music. But their aims are deeper than that. The group wants to break down the idea that China and the West are mutually exclusive entities and connect both ancient traditions in multiple ways.
Silvestrov's Prayer for Ukraine: a musical response to war
On Wednesday 18 (LSO St Luke’s in London) and Thursday 19 May (Brighton Festival), we perform works by Lili Boulanger, Marc-André Dalbavie and Tchaikovsky conducted by Marta Gardolińska. Marta has decided to add a short work to the programme, Silvestrov’s Prayer for Ukraine, a work which is now receiving performances all over the world as an expression of solidarity with Ukrainian people.
Artist Spotlight: Insights from LSO Principal Flute Gareth Davies
On Friday 13 May LSO Principal flute Gareth Davies takes to the stage at LSO St Luke’s to perform some of his favourite chamber music for the instrument alongside recital partner Michael McHale, in a concert in partnership with BBC Radio 3. We spoke to Gareth about his instrument and what to expect from the concert.
André J Thomas: The Gospel of Gospel Music
One of the world’s greatest experts in choral and American gospel music, André J Thomas, spoke to James Drury about his passion for this hugely influential genre as he prepares for a celebration of its variety on Sunday 29 May at the Barbican, with the LSO and the massed voices of choirs from across London, including the London Community Gospel Choir, British Gospel Arts Choir and London Symphony Chorus.
My Barbican: Libby Rice
My Barbican is a feature in the Barbican’s monthly guides, which asks members of staff and residents about their favourite and secret parts of the Centre and Estate. The April issue of the guide featured Libby Rice, our Archivist, who has been working for the LSO for over 43 years – before the Barbican Centre was opened! Here are Libby’s favourite spots. See how many you know, and look out for them on your next visit.
Emma-Kate Matthews Unlocks The Architecture of Music
Emma-Kate Matthews is a current composer on the Panufnik Composers Scheme, and she will be workshopping her new piece A Study of Passing Objects in an Accelerating Landscape at the Panufnik Workshops on Thursday 31 March 2022.
Seven Things You Didn't Know About Sibelius
In December 2024, we celebrate the 159th anniversary of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ birth. A towering figure in classical music, Sibelius is a national hero in Finland and revered worldwide for his powerful, nature-inspired works that continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Read on to find out seven surprising facts about the composer’s life and listen to his symphonies on our record label LSO Live’s newly remastered Spatial Audio version conducted by Sir Colin Davis.
Seven times John Williams wowed the world – and it wasn’t on a film!
It seems unbelievable, but the pre-eminent film composer John Williams turns 90 today.
The Barbican at 40
40 years ago this year, on 3 March 1982, the Barbican Centre opened its doors for the first time, with a performance by the LSO conducted by then Principal Conductor Claudio Abbado, marking their new role of Resident Orchestra of the City of London.
Snippets from history: Walton & the LSO
During his lifetime William Walton had a long and close relationship with the LSO. Read on to discover more about the composer, his history with the LSO and his majestic Viola Concerto.
The Journey Behind 'D’un matin de printemps'
Find out more about composer Lili Boulanger and the story behind one of her most famous pieces, D’un matin de printemps.
Interview with Antoine Tamestit
We spoke to Antoine Tamestit ahead of his Artist Portrait series in the 2021/22 season, to learn more about his journey to becoming a musician, his relationship with the LSO, and more.
