Shimmering. Visionary. Dramatic.
Sibelius, Saariaho and Adès
Thomas Adès and Anna Dennis
Barbican
Jean Sibelius
The Oceanides (10 mins)
Symphony No 7 (21 mins)
Interval
Kaija Saariaho
Oltra mar (22 mins)
Thomas Adès
America: A Prophecy (2024) for soprano, orchestra and chorus (22 mins)
Thomas Adès conductor
Anna Dennis soprano
London Symphony Chorus
London Symphony Orchestra
The concert will finish at approximately 9pm, 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
Composer and conductor Thomas Adès celebrates elemental Sibelius, shimmering Saariaho, and a new version of his darkly prescient orchestral fable.
The Music
Thomas Adès returns to the LSO, showcasing two of Sibelius’ most enigmatic works, beginning with the myth-inspired The Oceanides, its shimmering, surging soundscapes painting unsettling portraits of ocean nymphs. The late Symphony No 7 is a short work of haunting beauty, its primeval trombone call shining like a beacon through the Finnish mists.
Fellow Finn Kaija Saariaho takes up the sea theme with Oltra mar (Across the Sea) for chorus and orchestra. Full of almost overwhelmingly powerful textures, it examines themes of travel, love, time and death. And Thomas Adès’ ominous America foretells the apocalyptic end of a great nation with disorientating intensity.
The Performers
Thomas Adès and the LSO are joined by the London Symphony Chorus and soprano Anna Dennis for works guaranteed to penetrate deep into your soul.
More to Explore
Sibelius: a Guide to the Symphonies
From folk-songs to Finnish nationalism, Andrew Mellor explores the symphonies of Jean Sibelius.
Seven Things You Didn't Know About Sibelius
A towering figure in classical music, Sibelius is a national hero in Finland and revered worldwide for his powerful, nature-inspired works that continue to captivate audiences to this day.
Read on to find out seven surprising facts about the composer’s life.
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Barbara Hannigan
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Trailblazing soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan guides us through the musical landscape of America at a defining point in its history, from concert hall to musical theatre.
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Wednesday 13 January 2027 • 7pm
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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 © Mark Allan
