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
Summer Term
Booking for these has now closed, successful schools will be contacted before he close of the spring term. If you have any queries contact Elle Oldfield elle.oldfield@lso.co.uk
Key Stage 1: Wish You Were Here ! Musical Postcards
Wednesday 18 June 2025 11am & 12.10pm
Barbican Hall
Lucy Hollins animateur,
Karen Ní Bhroin conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Key Stage 2: Concerto! Count Me In
Thursday 19 June 2025 10.40am & 12pm
Barbican Hall
Tim Redmond animateur & conductor
Alexandra Dariescru soloist
London Symphony Orchestra
2025/26 Dates
Autumn Term
Key Stage 2: Symphonie Fantastique
Wednesday 5 November 2025 10.40am & 12pm
Barbican Hall
Rachel Leach animateur,
Sasha Scolnik-Brower conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Key Stage 1: Percussion
Thursday 6 November 2025 11am & 12.10pm
Barbican Hall
Lucy Hollins animateur
Patrick King percussion
Sasha Scolnik-Brower conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Spring Term
Key Stage 3: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
Wednesday 11 March 2026 10.40am & 12pm
Barbican Hall
Rachel Leach animateur,
Karen Ní Bhroin conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Key Stage 2
Friday 20 March 2026 10.40am & 12pm
Monday 23 March 2026 10.40am & 12pm
Barbican Hall
Jan Blake animateur,
Karen Ní Bhroin conductor
Bindi McFarlane violin
London Symphony Orchestra
Summer Term
Key Stage 1
Monday 22 June 2026 11am & 12.10pm
Tuesday 23 June 2026 11am & 12.10pm
Barbican Hall
Rachel Leach animateur,
Charlotte Corderoy conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Key Stage 2: Film concert
Thursday 25 June 2026 10.40am & 12pm
Barbican Hall
Tim Redmond animateur & conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
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
