The Barbican is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated classical music season for September 2025 to July 2026, promising an electrifying celebration of innovation, diversity, and artistry. This groundbreaking season will champion bold new performances and spotlight visionary artists whose work resonates deeply with today’s most pressing issues.
Audiences can look forward to an array of premieres from trailblazing composers such as Bushra El-Turk, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Catherine Lamb, Blasio Kavuma, Tansy Davies, and Tyshawn Sorey, alongside captivating performances by luminaries like Davóne Tines, Seth Parker Woods, Compagnie Amala Dianor, and Theatre of Kiribati. A highlight of the season is Fragile Earth, an inspiring series exploring our connection to the natural world, featuring UK premieres of works by Julia Wolfe and Lemi Ponifasio.
The season will also feature world-class international ensembles, artist residencies, and celebrations of major anniversaries, offering an extraordinary spectrum of classical music. From cherished masterpieces to daring new compositions, and from globally acclaimed artists to emerging stars, the Barbican reaffirms its commitment to bringing the most dynamic and diverse music experiences to London.
Joining the Barbican in this spectacular season are its esteemed artistic associates: Resident Orchestra London Symphony Orchestra, Associate Orchestra BBC Symphony Orchestra, Associate Ensemble Academy of Ancient Music, and Artistic Associate Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust. Together, they will present an unparalleled lineup of operatic highlights, special festivals, and projects that delve into the Barbican’s dedication to environmental themes.
The season opens with a powerful double bill from the London Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano (pictured) on Sunday, 14 September 2025, featuring Leonard Bernstein’s Symphony No. 3, ‘Kaddish’ and Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3. Shortly after, the Barbican’s own promotion programme launches with Anna Meredith’s Anno, performed by Scottish Ensemble on 25 September 2025 as part of the Fragile Earth series.
Helen Wallace, Barbican Head of Music, shares her excitement:
“The Barbican is here to platform bold new work that engages with our times, and to bring exciting artists from all over the world to London audiences. I’m thrilled to be presenting a string of new projects from Bushra El-Turk, Tansy Davies, and Hildur Guðnadóttir to Julia Wolfe, Hania Rani, and Tyshawn Sorey. It’s also a joy to welcome such a breadth of visiting ensembles onto our stages – from the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Les Arts Florissants to the Theatre of Kiribati, who join our treasured resident, the London Symphony Orchestra, and artistic associates the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Academy of Ancient Music, and Darbar. Their rich programmes include operatic highlights, special festivals, and projects that speak to the Barbican’s own deep dive into our relationship with the environment. We’re proud to be offering residencies to bass-baritone Davóne Tines and pianist Gabriela Montero, as well as honouring Arvo Pärt in his 90th year.”
Get ready for a season that pushes boundaries, celebrates creativity, and brings the world’s most exciting classical music to London. The Barbican’s 2025-2026 season is not just a programme—it’s an unmissable journey into the heart of music’s transformative power.
For further information and the full programme, please visit the Barbican Centre website.
Images – Sir Antonio Pappano ( Credit Mark Allan), unEarth – Julia Wolfe and Seth Parker Woods (Credit Ben_Gibbs), Courtesy of The Barbican
About Author
