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For all music lovers, South Kensington has plenty to offer from masterclasses, percussion festivals, big bands, classical, world music, live orchestras, music for all the family and so much more.
BBC Proms favourite and alumnus John Wilson will direct the RCM Symphony Orchestra in an unmissable evening of celebrated concert works. Revered for his original arrangements and thrilling performances, the esteemed conductor will bring three very different classical compositions to life.
A lovesick Berlioz composed his epic programme symphony in 1830 after becoming infatuated with the charismatic Irish actress Harriet Smithson, and the quintessentially romantic masterpiece has delighted concert audiences ever since.
Join us at the Royal College of Music for a fun family concert exploring Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique. Introduce your family to the full sound of an orchestra as dynamic presenter Fraser Trainer and the RCM Philharmonic take audiences on a spooky musical journey involving a love story, a spinning ballroom, a day in the countryside, a nightmare and a Witches' Sabbath.Suitable for ages 4+
The finely honed talents of the RCM String Band are complimented by the powerful sound of the Flentrop Orgelbouw organ in this evening chamber concert.
The RCM presents some of the finest players on the international guitar scene in a one-day festival of concerts, masterclasses and lectures celebrating all things guitar. This is a fantastic chance for guitarists of any age and ability to pick up tips from the experts on how to improve their playing and to hear solo and chamber music performances from RCM guitarists past and present.
Big Fat Brass is back with a new programme of works from Billy May’s iconic album, superbly brought to life by the RCM Brass Ensemble. The American composer and trumpeter found critical acclaim when he released Big Fat Brass in 1958, and his inventive arrangements of big band classics promise an uplifting evening for all.
Esteemed Dutch conductor Jac van Steen leads the RCM Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in this all-French programme featuring a symphonic poem, a nocturne and a requiem. Gentle but powerful, Fauré's undeniably beautiful Requiem provides an exquisite centrepiece for the evening.
The RCM Philharmonic, under the direction of Martin André, opens this Orchestral Masterworks programme with a rousing rendition of Brahms' merry medley of student drinking songs: the ever-popular Academic Festival Overture.
Esteemed baritone and RCM alumnus Sir Thomas Allen returns to direct a rousing performance of Mozart’s comic opera The Marriage of Figaro. Experience an entertaining new production of this classic tale which has all the ingredients of a modern rom com: love, revenge and deception. Will our hero finally get his bride – or will the marriage of Figaro descend into mayhem?
Our annual festival returns with two days of masterclasses, lectures and an evening concert of English consort music. Performers and researchers including Professor Vittorio Ghielmi, Professor Reiko Ichise, Richard Boothby and Dr Sam Stadlen lend their considerable expertise to this year’s festival.
The Harlem Quartet has been praised for its 'panache' by The New York Times and celebrated for 'bringing a new attitude to classical music' in the Cincinnati Enquirer. Now, as part of its three-year residency, the string quartet brings its authentic playing style to the RCM stage for a thrilling evening of classical and jazz works from all corners of the globe.
Meet the 'King of Swing' in this toe-tapping programme exploring the music that made swing an international phenomenon. Join Mark Armstrong and the RCM Swing Band as they perform works from the famous 1938 Benny Goodman Carnegie Hall concert alongside music from other major figures of the era.
Enjoy great food, drink and free live music in the Hall’s Verdi – Italian Kitchen the perfect place to wind down, laugh and eat well with friends and family over a bottle of great Italian wine. These concerts take place at lunchtime and dinner - booking in advance is recommended.
This unmissable screening of the film (winner of eight Academy Awards, four BAFTAs and four Golden Globes), will feature live music performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, who recorded the original film soundtrack, and the Philharmonia Chorus, conducted by Ludwig Wicki.
Relive the magic of your favourite wizard in Harry Potter in Concert. Based on the third instalment of J.K. Rowling’s classic saga, fans of all ages can now experience the thrilling tale accompanied by the music of a live symphony orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen.
The most popular classical music show in the UK returns to the Royal Albert Hall in November. From the very best classical music and state of the art technology to electrifying multi-coloured laser displays and our famous thundering finale to the music of the 1812 Overture!
The Royal Albert Hall’s Festival of Film returns, celebrating the magic of the movies, while shining a spotlight on cinema’s best scores. The programme is packed with immersive movie and music experiences, including a host of screenings, concerts with a film flavour, exhibitions, talks and tours.
Mercury Prize-nominated Portico Quartet take to the stage for the world premiere of a brand-new audiovisual concert to celebrate their latest major exhibition, The Sun: Living with Our Star. This event includes DJ support and complimentary admission to the exhibition.
The Gipsy Kings, France’s most successful group of all time, will return to the Royal Albert Hall in 2019. They first captured the world’s imagination in 1987 with a self-titled album that became a genuine phenomenon, certified gold and platinum around the globe. Throughout their hugely successful career they’ve introduced millions of listeners to a unique, irresistible blend of traditional flamenco styles with Western pop and Latin rhythms through globally-popular singles such as Bamboléo and Volare.
Pianist, bandleader, singer, composer, television presenter and multiplatinum recording artist Jools Holland returns to the Hall with his sensational Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for two nights of jazz and blues. Performing tracks spanning his entire solo career, Jools will be joined by the supremely talented vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall, as well as original Squeeze member Gilson Lavis on drums with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
