Enjoy the evening's concert outdoors as the opening concert of the LSO 2017/18 Season is relayed live on the big screen in the Barbican Sculpture Court. This is a silent cinema event – you will listen to the concert through your own set of headphones.
This is it. A new beginning and a statement of intent. The first concert from the new Music Director of the London Symphony Orchestra.
This is Helen Grime and Thomas Adès, Oliver Knussen and Elgar. This is Sir Harrison Birtwistle and Sir Simon Rattle. This is the best of British music together.
This is starting with something new and ending with something timeless, celebrating those that came between: five generations of our best composers and two performers without peers.
This is the LSO.
This is Christian Tetzlaff.
This is Sir Simon Rattle, LSO Music Director.
FAQs
Is there allocated seating?
No – it is first come, first served.
What are we sitting on?
Chairs. Feel free to bring a cushion for extra comfort.
Will there be blankets?
We aren’t able to provide blankets, but we advise you to bring one along, as well as a jacket or coat and anything else you’d like to have with you after sundown, as it will get chilly.
How will I hear the concert?
You’ll be given a pair of headphones to listen to the concert through; there won’t be any speakers outside. You’ll collect these on arrival and hand them in on the way back out.
Can I bring my own food and drink with me to the screening?
There are lots of catering options and bars available at the Barbican, so only food and drink purchased on the premises are allowed to be consumed in the screening area. Glass bottles are strictly prohibited for audience safety.
It looks like rain… is there going to be cover?
We’ll be at the mercy of the British summer. In the event of some inclement weather, the show will go on. If the forecast looks like rain, we recommend you bring waterproof clothing. We’d ask you not to bring umbrellas, as the person sitting behind you won’t be able to see the screen.
If it rains a lot, will the screening be cancelled?
It’s very unlikely, unless the weather is deemed to be extreme or unsafe, in which case we reserve the right to cancel. If this transpires, you’ll receive an email no later than 5pm on the day of the relay.
I'll have a large bag with me – is this okay?
Any large bag, like a suitcase, holdall or giant rucksack, needs to be checked into a cloakroom in the Centre (level -1 Stalls floor), so please arrive in good time to do this.
What if I arrive late?
We can accept latecomers until 7.45pm; please remember you'll have to collect your headphones and check any items into the cloakroom in good time. Seating is unallocated so you’ll have to find a place that’s available.
Can I take pictures?
You are free to take pictures of the screening area until the concert begins, but we’d ask you not to take photos or video once the concert has started – the same rules apply as if you were in the concert hall. Also, please respect the privacy of our residents and your fellow audience members.
How do I get there?
The Sculpture Court is on level 3, just outside the Art Gallery. If you’re unfamiliar with the Barbican Centre, don’t worry – there will be directions on how to get to the Sculpture Court nearer the time and there will be signage in the Centre.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes – please let us know ahead of time if you need any assistance via the Barbican Box Office on 020 7638 8891 (10am–8pm Mon-Sat, 11am–8pm Sun).
Can I smoke?
Smoking is forbidden in the screening area but there will be a smokers’ corner in the vicinity of the court.
Finally, we’d ask you to remember that the Outdoor Cinema is in a residential area, so we would kindly ask you to keep noise to a minimum when leaving the event.
