On Sunday 8 May Dima Slobodeniouk makes his LSO Barbican debut alongside star violinist Baiba Skride, in a concert that includes Sibelius' Second Symphony. We spoke to Dima ahead of the concert to find out how he fell in love with Sibelius' music and what to expect from the concert.
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.
Fairy tales, folk stories and all things fantastical have long been a source of inspiration for artists across the centuries. It is therefore unsurprising that a lot of classical music is based on these age-old tales.
On Sunday 24 April Xian Zhang conducts The Firebird and Ravel’s Mother Goose so we thought we’d take a closer look at six tales and the composer’s behind them.
Composer Qigang Chen has had an impressive career, which has seen him study with Messiaen, work with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and Herbie Hancock (to name but a few), and take on the role of Director of Music for the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony. Ahead of performing his piece L’Éloignement on Sunday 24 April, we caught up with the composer to learn a bit more about his musical influences and experiences.
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.
