The Southbank Centre’s inaugural Multitudes festival is set to transform the orchestral experience with a bold and innovative programme that redefines how classical music is presented in the 21st century.
Running from 23 April to 3 May, the festival offers 11 days of groundbreaking orchestral performances and multi-artform events across the Southbank Centre. Highlights include an opening night featuring a circus performance, a classical takeover of the Hayward Gallery, immersive club nights, and unique collaborations with renowned artists such as Marina Abramović, William Kentridge, George the Poet, and Frantic Assembly. The festival also celebrates the intersection of orchestral music with British grime and hip-hop through an electrifying evening featuring pioneering musicians.
Key Highlights include The UK premiere of Sasha Waltz & Guests, in collaboration with the London Sinfonietta, presents their visionary interpretation of Terry Riley’s In C—a trailblazing minimalist masterpiece from 1964 (29 & 30 April).
Peckham-based The Multi-Story Orchestra (above) brings the Hayward Gallery to life with a celebratory performance inspired by Mickalene Thomas’ acclaimed exhibition, All About Love (Singing All About Love – 26 April).
Huang Ruo’s City of Floating Sounds takes audiences on a sonic journey through London, blending layers of sound played on mobile phones with a live performance by the BBC Concert Orchestra in the Royal Festival Hall (30 April).
Aurora Orchestra partners with internationally renowned physical theatre company Frantic Assembly to reimagine Carnival of the Animals. This dazzling collaboration combines orchestral music, movement, and text (written by Kate Wakeling) for a night filled with virtuosic performances and dynamic choreography (3 May).
Multitudes Festival is a collaboration with the Southbank Centre’s Resident Orchestras, including Aurora Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, and Philharmonia Orchestra.
With its innovative programming and bold artistic vision, Multitudes promises to be a landmark event, pushing the boundaries of orchestral music and offering audiences an unforgettable experience. Multitudes Festival is a partnership with many of the Southbank Centre’s Resident Orchestras – Aurora Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, and Philharmonia Orchestra. For further details on the full programme, please visit the Southbank Centre website.
Multi Story Orchestra Image Credit Rah Petherbridge courtesy of Southbank Centre
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