Classical Brilliance and Daring Dance: March 2026 at Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre’s Spring/Summer Classical Season 2026 promises a month of world-class artistry, bold premieres, and boundary-pushing collaborations. March opens with acclaimed pianist Víkingur Ólafsson (1 March), whose virtuosity sets the tone for a series of unforgettable performances from the Centre’s resident orchestras and guest artists.

Among the season’s highlights is the Bach Choir’s much-anticipated annual performance of St Matthew’s Passion (8 March), a moving tradition that continues to captivate audiences year after year. Later in the month, Resident Artist Sean Shibe joins forces with the Manchester Collective for an imaginative journey into the world of sea shanties (28 March), offering a fresh, unexpected take on this vibrant folk tradition. The Chineke! Orchestra, under the direction of Colombian violinist Julián Gil Rodriguez (18 March), further enriches the season with its dynamic and inclusive approach to classical music.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth Hall becomes the stage for the UK premiere of Ballet de Lorraine’s “Acid Gems” and “A Folia” (5–7 March), two explosive new works from celebrated choreographers Adam Linder and Marco da Silva Ferreira. “Acid Gems,” inspired by Balanchine’s iconic “Jewels,” is a kaleidoscopic fusion of ballet, street, and theatre, reimagining the very fabric of dance. “A Folia,” shortlisted for The Rose International Dance Prize 2025, draws from a 15th-century Portuguese fertility ritual to explore themes of ecstasy, euphoria, and collective rebellion as catalysts for cultural and artistic transformation.

With its blend of classical excellence and innovative dance, March at the Southbank Centre offers audiences a dynamic celebration of creativity, tradition, and the ever-evolving language of the arts.