Top classical performances to experience this year

September Highlights

The Philharmonia Orchestra is celebrating its 80th anniversary this season with a spectacular opening concert. Featuring the renowned pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, they will perform Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto, known for its fierce intensity. The program also includes a new piece by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz and a collaboration with an unnamed organist on Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3.

October Events

Arvo Pärt at 90

Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who turns 90 this year, is being celebrated with a special concert by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra. The performance will feature his iconic works such as Fratres, Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten, Lamentation of Adam, and Te Deum.

London Piano Festival

Kings Place hosts its 10th anniversary piano festival, featuring premieres of three new works, Renaissance keyboard music, jazz performances, masterclasses, and a two-piano feast with notable pianists like Ingrid Fliter.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Mahler’s First Symphony, known for its evocative forest and bird-song themes. The concert also includes Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Puccini’s Preludio Sinfonico.

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Under the direction of Kazuki Yamada, the CBSO will present a program featuring the Jussen brothers playing Francis Poulenc’s concerto for two pianos and Fazil Say’s Night. The concert also includes Prokofiev’s “Classical” Symphony and Schubert’s Ninth Symphony.

John Adams Festival

Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra is hosting a three-day festival dedicated to John Adams. The event will include his orchestral piece Slonimsky’s Earbox and other works, showcasing his influence on modern classical music.

November Lineup

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Simon Rattle leads the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in a program featuring Leoš Janáček’s Taras Bulba and Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony, offering stark contrasts of Cossack heroism and grand symphonic vistas.

Huddersfield Festival of Contemporary Music

This festival highlights innovative composers, including Polish and Estonian talents. It features experimental works that blend art installations, improvisation, and composed music.

Evgeny Kissin

Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin will perform three Russian piano concertos, including Rimsky-Korsakov’s rarely heard concerto, Prokofiev’s First Concerto, and Scriabin’s Chopinesque concerto.

Manchester Camerata

The Manchester Camerata will explore the theme of the winter solstice with a performance of Samantha Fernando’s Wintering, alongside Renaissance music and meditative pieces from various composers.

Scottish Chamber Orchestra

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra will perform Berlioz’s L’Enfance du Christ, a rare and sweet work for the dramatic composer, accompanied by a chorus and soloists.

Additional Recommendations

For those looking ahead to 2025, there are exciting opera productions to look forward to. Keep an eye out for upcoming performances that promise to be unforgettable. Stay informed with the latest updates through newsletters and official websites.