London Symphony Orchestra

A free open-air concert in the heart of London

Sunday 1 July 2018 5pm
Trafalgar Square, London

DVOŘÁK Slavonic Dances
TCHAIKOVSKY 'Pas de deux' from The Nutcracker
MASSENET Dances from Le Cid
KATE WHITLEY Sky Dances (world premiere) *
STRAVINSKY Selections from The Firebird

Sir Simon Rattle conductor
Paul Rissmann presenter
London Symphony Orchestra
Young musicians from LSO On Track *
Musicians from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama *

FREE: no ticket required
Early arrival essential. No glass or furniture in the Square.

Watch for free on YouTube at the LSO YouTube channel

Trafalgar Square will be transformed into a giant free music stage for Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra to present BMW Classics on Sunday 1 July 2018.

Simon Rattle will take to the stage to conduct 100 musicians from the London Symphony Orchestra, alongside 50 young musicians from the LSO On Track programme in East London and musicians from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

The programme will feature music on a theme of dance and ballet by Dvořák, Massenet, Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky and includes a world premiere by Kate Whitley, founder of Peckham's Multi-Story Orchestra.

This year's performance is part of an exciting new festival promoted by the Mayor of London – Sounds Like London – with a focus on women in music.

This free summer concert brings access to world-class music to everyone in one of the world’s most iconic public spaces. With an audience in the square of up to 10,000 people, the concert will also be live streamed for the first time exclusively on YouTube, making the concert accessible to music fans worldwide.

BMW Classics Lockup

Pictures from 2017

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.lso.co.uk/whats-on/bmw-classics.html#sigProId4791c21801

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.

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.
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 and a lift between the Square and the Upper Terrace.
Assistance dogs are welcome.

Please enter the square via the north west entrance.

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.

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 plastic ponchos in case you didn't bring a coat!

What time will it finish?

What time will it finish?

About 7pm

download unspecified More practical tips

BMW Classics