Radiant. Sparkling. Evocative.
Season Opening: MacMillan and Sibelius 1
Sir Antonio Pappano
Barbican
Carl Nielsen
Helios Overture (12 mins)
James MacMillan
Concerto for Orchestra (25 mins)
(world premiere; LSO commission)
Interval
Jean Sibelius
Symphony No 1 (42 mins)
Sir Antonio Pappano conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
The concert will finish at approximately 8.50pm, including a 20-minute interval (timings subject to change).
Tickets
£70 £55 £39 £26 £18
+ £4 booking fee per online/phone transaction
Save on Your Booking
Wildcards
£12/£16 + booking fee as above
Guaranteed entry. Your seat will only be allocated on the day.
Limited releases throughout the season. Full details
Other Discounts
Multibuy Discounts: save up to 40%
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
Sir Antonio Pappano opens a new chapter as Chief Conductor of the LSO, conjuring stunning landscapes from Nielsen and Sibelius – and a world premiere by Sir James MacMillan.
The Music
Sunrise lights up the sparkling Aegean seas: the cinematic opening of Nielsen’s Helios Overture ushers in a new season with Sir Antonio Pappano, Chief Conductor, at the helm.
James MacMillan has explored the concerto in a kaleidoscope of forms – from saxophone to organ to percussion. This time he places the whole orchestra in the spotlight in his brand new Concerto for Orchestra – a thrilling showpiece for the musicians of the LSO.
The first of Sibelius’ seven symphonies is bursting with melodic invention and beautiful solos for woodwind and strings. In Pappano’s own words, ‘I hear those typical Sibelian evocations of nature, and the primeval history of that land’ – concluding a programme that evokes light, sky and landscape.
The Performers
The LSO and Pappano give vivid life to spectacular orchestral colours, with every instrument getting their moment in the sun – a radiant programme to usher in a new era.
I’ve been conducting the LSO since 1996, and we’re embarking on a new chapter together – and it’s a gift from heaven. The sky is the limit when you are working with musicians like this.’
Sir Antonio Pappano, LSO Chief Conductor
Pre-Concert, Barbican Foyers
Performances by LSO & LSO Discovery musicians.
Ticket-holders are invited to enjoy a free glass of sparkling wine to celebrate the launch of the 2024/25 season.
Concerto for Orchestra commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra with the support of the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.
Recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3
Dive Deeper
Sir Antonio Pappano
‘I want to explore music that I really, really love – and, the hope is, that the Orchestra will really love with me.’
Sir Antonio Pappano introduces his first season as Chief Conductor of the LSO.
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Booking and Discounts
Booking Your Tickets
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)
Refunds and Exchanges
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 six 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.
Questions About Your Booking?
Contact the Barbican Box Office at tickets@barbican.org.uk.
Visit the Barbican website for conditions of sale.
All discounts are subject to availability and may not be combined.
Multibuy Discounts
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%
Retain your discount for any later bookings within the season. Find out more about Multibuy Discounts.
Wildcards
£12 or £16 (£10 or £15 for Half Six Fix concerts), plus booking fee. Check availability using the Wildcards button above. On the concert night, show your Wildcard order email at the Stalls box office to receive a valid ticket worth at least £18 (£15 for Half Six Fix). Find out more about Wildcards.
Young People and Students
18 and under: £6 tickets. 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 £6 or £10 tickets to selected LSO concerts.
Groups of 10+
Save 20% to 30% and enjoy additional benefits. Find out more about group booking.
Access Members
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.
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 © Frances Marshall
