Intense. Enigmatic. Introspective.
The Makropulos Affair
Sir Simon Rattle
Thursday 15 January 2026 • 7pm
This event has passed.
Leoš Janáček
The Makropulos Affair (100 mins)
concert performance with surtitles
Marlis Petersen Emilia Marty
Aleš Briscein Albert Gregor
Jan Martiník Dr Kolenatý/Strojník/Machinist
Peter Hoare Vitek
Doubravka Novotná Krista
Svatopluk Sem Baron Jaroslav Prus
Vit Nosek Janek
Lucie Hilscherová Cleaning Lady/Chambermaid
Alan Oke Count Hauk-Šendorf
London Symphony Orchestra
The concert will finish at approximately 8.45pm (timings subject to change). Please note that there will be no interval.
Concert repeated on 13 January 2026.
Tickets
£72 £56 £39 £26 £18
+ £4 booking fee per online/phone transaction
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 300-year-old woman confronts mortality, identity and lost love in this concert performance of Janáček’s intense operatic drama.
The Music
The Makropoulos Affair contains some of Janáček’s most compelling music, starting with its Prelude that hints at the 16th-century birth year of Emilia Marty, complete with pounding timpani and fanfares. From there, Janáček spins a taut drama culminating in a heartbreaking scene as Emilia finally confesses to her identity.
The Performers
This is the fifth Janáček opera performed by Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra. This year’s cast is as exceptional as ever, with soprano Marlis Petersen as the emotionally complex Emilia, and tenor Aleš Briscein – a veteran of Janáček’s distinctive musical style – as Albert Gregor, the young lawyer enamoured with Emilia.
I’ve always thought that Janáček was the composer to take people to in the opera house who have never seen an opera, but who love theatre.
Sir Simon Rattle
More to Explore
What you should know about Leoš Janáček
Discover the fascinating story of Leoš Janáček, from tumultuous relationships to his game-changing operas.
On LSO Live: Katya Kabanova
The second release in LSO Live’s cycle of Janáček opera recordings, with Sir Simon Rattle.
Related Events
Half Six Fix: John Adams at 80
Sir Simon Rattle
Wednesday 6 January 2027 • 6.30pm
Sir Simon Rattle conducts and introduces John Adams’ vivid and psychedelic symphonic journey, Harmonielehre.
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.
John Adams at 80
Sir Simon Rattle
Sunday 10 January 2027 • 7pm
Sir Simon Rattle leads 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.
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.
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%
Retain your discount for any later bookings within the season. Find out more about Multibuy Discounts.
£12 or £16 (£12 or £15 for Half Six Fix concerts), plus booking fee. Check availability using the Wildcard link in the Tickets section 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). Not available for LSO Discovery Family Concerts or concerts at LSO St Luke’s. 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
