London Symphony Orchestra

A free open-air concert in the heart of London

Trafalgar Square was once again transformed into a giant free music stage as Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra presented BMW Classics on Sunday 30 June 2019.

Simon Rattle conducted 100 musicians from the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as 55 young musicians from the LSO On Track programme in East London and 20 musicians from the Guildhall School.

The dance-inspired programme feature music by Dvořák, Poulenc and Ravel, and include a world premiere – Tuqus – by Bushra El-Turk, for which the young musicians joined the ranks of the LSO.

For our audiences around the world, we've made the concert available to watch on our YouTube channel for the next 90 days.

Programme

DVOŘÁK Selection of Slavonic Dances
BUSHRA EL-TURK Tuqus (world premiere) *
POULENC Selection from 'Les biches – Suite'
RAVEL La valse

Sir Simon Rattle conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
LSO On Track Young Musicians *
Guildhall School Musicians *

> Full event information

Tickets: free, no ticket required
Early arrival essential. No glass or furniture in the Square.

Behind the scenes

Get a flavour of this unique event by looking behind the scenes at this year's concert.

Live stream

Watch the concert on our YouTube channel, available on demand for 90 days.

Blog

For last year's event, Nicole Wilson, violinist, broadcaster, journalist and founder of Musical Orbit, followed the young musicians from LSO On Track and the Guildhall School as they got ready for a busy and exciting few days ahead. She went down to Trafalgar Square to see how they got on in Kate Whitley's Sky Dances.

> Read the blog

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Event FAQs

Getting in and out

Getting in and out

Entry and exit to Trafalgar Square is via the Upper Terrace in front of The National Gallery at either end, and via the south east corner towards the entry for Charing Cross Tube station. The south west corner towards the Mall is for exit only.

If you have drinks in glass bottles with you, you will be asked to decant these into biodegradable plastic jugs provided at the entrance points.

What if it's full?

What if it's full?

The lower part of the square will be filled up first; the upper terrace – where there are large screens onto which we will project the performance – will then be filled.

We advise that you should arrive no later than 3.30pm to secure a place. Should the square fill completely, we will need to close the entrance barriers and it’s unlikely any further entry will be granted.

Please be aware that if you leave the Square and it fills up while you are out, you will not be able to get back in.

Accessibility

Accessibility

We have implemented the following measures to make the event as accessible and inclusive as possible for a wide range of audience members:

A step-free level access area in the centre of the Upper Terrace with wheelchair spaces, companion seats, and seats for those who may have other access requirements. The best entry points for this area are either side of The National Gallery.
You may find it easiest to enter the square via the north west corner, which is normally slightly less busy.
The area also has a hearing loop.
Large print programmes are available.
There is a portable accessible toilet near this area in addition to the accessible toilet within the permanent toilet block on lower part of the Square.
Assistance dogs are welcome.

Not comfortable?

Not comfortable?

Furniture is not allowed in the Square. Cushions are available to hire from carts at just £2.50 each. Toilets are located on the lower terrace towards the back; there’s a café in the square too.

Can we bring a picnic?

Can we bring a picnic?

You are welcome to bring food and drink in, although please do not bring glass for safety reasons. If you have drinks in glass bottles with you, you will be asked to decant these into biodegradable plastic jugs provided at the entrance points.

There is a café located inside the Square if you wish to buy refreshments when you arrive.

Please don't bring furniture with you, but rugs for the floor are fine.

What if it rains?

What if it rains?

We’ll play on for as long as we can, but if the rain gets too heavy we’ll have to stop. There will be messages on the big screens and announcements made, so sit tight and we’ll keep you posted. We have biodegradable plastic ponchos in case you didn't bring a coat!

What time will it finish?

What time will it finish?

About 6.30pm at the latest.

download unspecified More practical tips

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