LSO Discovery
Family Concert: The King Who Tried To Change His Fate
Recommended for children aged 7+ and their families
Sunday 8 March 2026 • 2.30pm
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Giuseppe Verdi
Overture from ‘The Force of Destiny’
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Dance from ‘Othello Suite’
Louise Farrenc
Excerpts from Symphony No 3
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Excerpts from Symphony No 4
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Military March from ‘Othello Suite’
Leonard Bernstein
Cha Cha from ‘West Side Story’
Ayanna Witter-Johnson
FAIYA!
Paul Rissmann
Forest Prelude
What is Fate
Karen Ní Bhroin conductor
Jan Blake storyteller
Belinda McFarlane presenter
Angie Newman BSL Interpreter
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
Free companion tickets for Barbican Access Members
Concert recommended for children aged 7+ and their families
The Concert
This concert brings together magical storyteller Jan Blake and the London Symphony Orchestra, exploring the storytelling nature of symphonic music. Jan’s tale about a King and his fate will be brought to life with music from composers past and present – including Giuseppe Verdi, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Louise Farrenc, Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Leonard Bernstein and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. There is also a brand new song by Paul Rismann for the whole audience to sing-a-long to.
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 singing along with the audience participation piece during the concert.
Pre-Concert Activities
Arrive early to take part in free craft and musical activities in the foyers ahead of the concert. Further details below.
Please note that we are no longer able to offer a crèche facility for younger siblings at this concert.
Photography
Please note that a photographer will be taking photos of this event. If you have any concerns, or would like to be excluded from any photography, please speak to a member of staff at the LSO Information Desk (Level G) on the day.
Pre-Concert Activities
Please note that there is no instrument participation or pre-booking of activities for this concert. Any instruments brought by audience members will need to be left in the cloakroom for the duration of the performance.
Creative Music Making Workshop
12pm, 12.35pm, 1.10pm, 1.45pm, Stalls Lounge, Level -1
In the sleepy village of a magical land, you stumble on a crown. It has to be the King’s, and it’s his coronation the next day. Journey through the magical forest towards the castle, making music, monsters and a little bit of mayhem so that the King gets his crown in time. Join Aga Serugo-Lugo and musicians from the LSO to make music together in this workshop.
Storytelling Workshop – Secret Story in the Sound
12pm, 12.35pm, 1.10pm, 1.45pm, Fountain Room, Level G
Somewhere inside the music, a story is hiding. Jordan the storyteller can feel it – but he can’t find it alone. Join three live musicians and one very stuck storyteller on a mission to discover a story that doesn’t exist yet… until you help bring it to life.
Singing Workshop
12pm, 12.35pm, 1.10pm, 1.45pm, Freestage, Level G
Join singer Yinka Williams and pianist Jo Smith to warm up our voices, and learn What is Fate, our participatory song written especially for this concert.
Crafts
Drop in, Clubstage Level -1
Join our artistic team to make your very own origami books and create fantasy worlds for your friends and families to read with you.
More Events for Families
Musical Storytelling
For Under-5s
Saturday 16 May 2026 • 10.30am
LSO musicians retell a children’s story through music, offering younger children a chance to experience a live performance in the beautiful Jerwood Hall. Dance and sing your way through the concert as the instruments bring the tale to life.
Musical Storytelling
For Under-5s
Saturday 16 May 2026 • 12pm
LSO musicians retell a children’s story through music, offering younger children a chance to experience a live performance in the beautiful Jerwood Hall. Dance and sing your way through the concert as the instruments bring the tale to life.
Family Concert: Music from the Movies
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.
Limited Tickets
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.
Header image © Liam Hennebry
