LSO Discovery
Family Concert: The Planets
Recommended for children aged 7+ and their families
Saturday 21 June 2025 • 2.30pm
This event has passed.
Gustav Holst
Extracts from ‘The Planets – Suite’
Rachel Leach presenter
Karen Ni Bhrion conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
The concert will finish at approximately 3.45pm.
Tickets
£18 £14 £12 adults, £6 under-18s
+ £4 booking fee per online/phone transaction
Save on Your Booking
Discounts for 18s-and-under, 14–25s and full-time students
Groups of 10+ save at least 20%
Free companion tickets for Barbican Access Members
Full details on all discounts below
The Concert
Join presenter Rachel Leach and the LSO on a musical adventure around the solar system as they explore Gustav Holst’s celestial masterpiece The Planets. From ‘Mars’ – the piece that inspired countless film soundtracks – to the swelling majesty of ‘Jupiter’ and the mysterious atmosphere of ‘Neptune’, this is music on a truly cosmic scale.
LSO Family Concerts are a fun, informative way for families to experience live music together and learn more about the instruments of the orchestra. Each concert is based on a theme, with free workshops before the performance, and the opportunity for everyone to get involved by playing or singing along with the audience participation piece during the concert.
Participation Music
During the concert we’ll be asking you to sing or play along with the Orchestra in our specially written song and there will be practice sessions in the foyer beforehand. If you are bringing your own instrument, please note that large cases should be left at the cloakroom on Level -1 and not be taken into the Hall.
Pre-Concert Activities
Arrive early to take part in free craft and musical activities in the foyers ahead of the concert. Full details below.
Free Crèche
There is a free crèche available for younger siblings under the age of 7. Places must be booked in advance by emailing the Barbican Box Office at tickets@barbican.org.uk or calling +44 20 7870 2500 (Monday – Friday 12–5.30pm). Please include the age of the child the place will be for.
Recommended by Classic FM
Pre-Concert Activities
Singing Workshops, Freestage (Level G)
(12pm, 12.35pm, 1.10pm, 1.45pm)
Join Greg Link & pianist Jo Smith to learn the participation song Em Vem Juh Sun, ready to sing along with the LSO in the hall.
Instrumental Participation Workshops, Stalls Lounge (Level –1)
(12pm, 12.35pm, 1.45pm)
LSO Player Shaun Thompson leads Instrument Participation for Em Vem Juh Sun, teaching parts for you to play along with the LSO during the concert. Young people are encouraged to bring their own instruments from home, and LSO will provide some classroom percussion for those to join in.
Due to high demand, places for the instrumental workshops must be booked in advance. Book your place here from 10am Thursday 19 June.
You can download the music on our website by clicking below if you’d like a sneak peek beforehand:
Audience Instruments
Bass Instruments
Instruments in Bb
Instruments in C
Piano Score
Violin
Music Making Workshop, Fountain Room (Level G)
(12pm, 12.35pm, 1.10pm, 1.45pm)
Kizzy Brooks leads an introductory Music Making workshop based around Holst’s music of The Planets – which we will hear in full in the concert.
Crafts drop-in, Club Stage (Barbican Foyer, Level -1)
(From 12pm)
Join Lot and their team in making some out-of-this-world inspired craft projects.
More Family Concerts
Family Concert: Symphonie fantastique
Recommended for children aged 7+ and their families
Sunday 2 November 2025 • 2.30pm
A fun opportunity for families to learn more about music and the instruments of the orchestra, with music based on a theme and free workshops before the concert.
Family Concert
Recommended for children aged 7+ and their families
Sunday 8 March 2026 • 2.30pm
A fun opportunity for families to learn more about music and the instruments of the orchestra, with music based on a theme and free workshops before the concert.
Family Concert
Recommended for children aged 7+ and their families
Sunday 28 June 2026 • 2.30pm
A fun opportunity for families to learn more about music and the instruments of the orchestra, with music based on a theme and free workshops before the concert.
Your Visit and Access
Getting to the Barbican
We are based at the Barbican Centre in the City of London. The main entrance to the Barbican is on Silk Street.
What to Expect
From the concert experience to venue facilities, find out what to expect from an LSO concert at the Barbican.
Accessibility
Find maps and guides, and join the Barbican Access Membership Scheme to let us know of your requirements and book access tickets.
