Driving. Hypnotic. Vibrant.
John Adams at 80
John Adams and Víkingur Ólafsson
Barbican
John Adams
Short Ride in a Fast Machine (4 mins)
Shaker Loops for string orchestra (26 mins)
Interval
John Adams
The Chairman Dances (12 mins)
After the Fall for piano and orchestra (25 mins)
John Adams conductor
Víkingur Ólafsson piano
London Symphony Orchestra
The concert will finish at approximately 8.45pm, including a 20-minute interval (timings subject to change).
Tickets
£75 £56 £39 £27 £18
+ £4 booking fee per online/phone transaction
Save 10–40% when you book more than one concert with Multibuy
Wildcard Tickets
£12/£16 + booking fee as above
Check availability and book
Limited releases throughout the season. Guaranteed entry, but your seat is only allocated on the day. Full details
Other Discounts
Save when booking multiple concerts. Discounts also available for young people, students, groups, and Barbican Access Members. Full details
The Concert
A feast of music by John Adams including the fizzing Short Ride and a coruscating piano concerto composed for this concert’s soloist, Víkingur Ólafsson.
The Music
Melodic, addictively rhythmic, uplifting and celebratory, the music of John Adams is a treat for the ears. Tonight’s concert, part of a series marking his 80th birthday, features the most exuberant of his many works, from the white heat of Short Ride in a Fast Machine to the urgent minimalist energy of ‘The Chairman Dances’ from Adams’ opera Nixon in China.
Shaker Loops, inspired by the tape loops often used in minimalist music, is intended to convey something of the ecstasy said to be experienced by the Shaker religious sect community. Composed in 2024, the piano concerto After the Fall drags the Baroque era headlong into the 21st century with music of iridescent beauty.
The Performers
It will be a rare treat to see John Adams on the podium alongside his piano concerto’s dedicatee, Víkingur Ólafsson. Expect music-making of undiluted joy.
You Might Like
John Adams at 80
Sir Simon Rattle
Thursday 7 January 2027 • 7pm
Sir Simon Rattle conducts the LSO in music by John Adams: Frenzy, an extract from The Gospel According to the Other Mary and Harmonielehre – an electrifying journey through the composer's luminous soundworld.
LSO Futures
Elim Chan and James Fountain
Thursday 17 June 2027 • 7pm
A chance to hear new works by composers from the LSO Helen Hamlyn Panufnik Composers’ Scheme, plus high energy from US composer John Adams.
Steve Reich at 90
Susanna Mälkki
Thursday 12 November 2026 • 7pm
The master of minimalism at 90: Susanna Mälkki leads the celebration of Steve Reich with five of his most iconic, influential works.
Booking and Discounts
Box Office Information
Online at lso.co.uk or barbican.org.uk
By phone on +44 20 7870 2500 (Monday to Friday 12–5.30pm)
In person at the Barbican Centre (no booking fee)
Members of the Barbican’s Access Scheme can book wheelchair places priced at the lowest price for that event and book a free companion seat. Join the Barbican Access Scheme.
Contact the Barbican Box Office at tickets@barbican.org.uk, get help via WhatsApp or send them a text message on 07380 975000.
Visit the Barbican website for conditions of sale.
All discounts are subject to availability and may not be combined.
Contact the Box Office at least 24 hours before the performance (two weeks for group bookings) to exchange your tickets for another LSO concert or Barbican credit voucher, valid for twelve months. A per-ticket administration fee applies.
The LSO reserves the right to change artists or programmes if necessary. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, all bookers will receive a refund.
Offers and Savings
Book 2 or 3 concerts, save 10%
Book 4 to 7 concerts, save 20%
Book 8 to 11 concerts, save 30%
Book 12 or more concerts, save 40%
Keep your discount for any later bookings within the season. Find out more about Multibuy Discounts.
From £12, plus booking fee. Price may rise to £15 or £16, as indicated. Check availability and price using the Wildcard link in the Tickets section above. On the concert night, show your Wildcard order at the Stalls box office to receive a valid ticket worth at least £18 (£15 for Half Six Fix and Symphonic Cinema). Exclusions apply. Find out more about Wildcards.
18 and under*: £6 tickets, plus booking fee. Book online, by phone or in person.
14–25s: Join Young Barbican for discounted tickets to selected concerts.
Full-time students: Join Student Pulse for £10 tickets to selected LSO concerts.
* Evening and Half Six Fix concerts are recommended for ages 12+
Save 20% to 30% and enjoy additional benefits. Find out more about group booking.
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 © Riccardo Musacchio
