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Sita and Rama Illustration

LSO Discovery Family Concert: Diwali

Recommended for children aged 7+ and their families

Sunday 26 November 2023 • 2.30pm

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The Concert

Excerpts from

Kuljit Bhamra Mystic Bhangra
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges Symphony No 2
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade
William Walton Henry V – Suite
George Frideric Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks
Elena Kats-Chernin Moon Feather Magic
A R Rahman Jai Ho

Dr Sita Thomas presenter
Lee Reynolds conductor
Kuljit Bhamra tabla
Joley Cragg Indian percussion
Jonathan Mayer sitar
LSO Discovery Choirs
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

Under-18s – £6 tickets
Groups of 10+ – save at least 20%
Barbican Access Members – free companion tickets

Discover the ancient story of Prince Rama and Princess Sita with the LSO. As told in the Indian epic, the Ramayana, Rama and Sita’s story is celebrated by many people every year during Diwali.

Hear this fascinating story retold through music from Handel to A R Rahman, featuring orchestral favourites from the London Symphony Orchestra alongside music showcasing traditional Indian instruments. Presented by Sita Thomas, with special guests Kuljit Bhamra on tabla, Jonathan Mayer on sitar and Joley Cragg on Indian percussion.

Presented in a fun and informative way, LSO Family Concerts feature music based on a theme and are an opportunity for families to learn more about music and the instruments of the orchestra. There are free workshops before the concert, and everyone can get involved by playing or singing along with the audience participation piece during 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 020 7870 2500 (Mon–Fri 12 noon–5.30pm). Please give the age of the child the place will be for.

Photography/Filming
Please note that a photographer will be taking photos and videos of this event and the pre-concert activities. If you have any concerns, or would like to be excluded from any photography, please speak to a member of staff on the day or email tickets@lso.co.uk at least 48 hours before the concert.

Pre-concert Activities

Singing Workshop, Fountain Room (Barbican Foyer, Level G)
(12–12.30pm, 12.35–1.05pm, 1.10–1.40pm, 1.45–2.15pm)
Join Kavi Pau to learn the participation song ‘Jai Ho’, ready to sing along with the LSO in the hall

Instrumental Participation, Stalls Lounge (Barbican Foyer, Level -1)
(12–12.30pm, 12.35–1.05pm, 1.10–1.40pm, 1.45–2.15pm)
Must be booked in advance.
LSO Player Shaun Thompson leads an instrumental workshop for ‘Jai Ho’, teaching parts for you to play along with the LSO during the concert. Young people are encouraged to bring their own instruments from home. Book your place here from Friday 24 November 10am

You can download the music and lyrics on our website by clicking below if you’d like a sneak peek beforehand:

Bb Instruments Simple

Bb Instruments Intermediate

Bass Parts Simple

Bass Parts Intermediate

Instruments in C Parts Simple

Instruments in C Parts Intermediate

Percussion Parts

Tabla Workshop, Level G Studio (Barbican Foyer, Level G)
(12–12.30pm & 12.35–1.05pm)
Come & try out playing the Tabla yourself! Led by Anmol Mohara, learn more about Indian Classical Music and try your hand at playing the Tabla.

Crafts, Clubstage (Barbican Foyer, Level -1)
(Drop in from 12pm)
Come and paint your own Diwas, make monkey masks and get your own henna designs.

Dance Workshop, Freestage (Barbican Foyer, Level G)
(12–12.30pm, 12.35–1.05pm, 1.10–1.40pm, 1.45–2.45pm)
Yinka Williams leads an Indian Dance workshop on the Barbican Freestage, teaching moves to join in with in the Hall.

Future Dates

Family Concert: Magic and Music
Barbican

Family Concert: Magic and Music

Recommended for children aged 7+ and their families

Sunday 2 June 2024 • 2.30pm

Delve into a world of wonder and sorcery with music, stories and live magic. 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. 

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