The inaugural Multitudes Festival at the Southbank Centre aims to transform the orchestral experience with an innovative program that reimagines the presentation of classical music in the 21st century.
Running from 23 April to 3 May, the festival offers 11 days of orchestral music and multi-artform events across the Southbank Centre. Highlights include a circus-infused opening night, a classical takeover of the Hayward Gallery, immersive club nights, and groundbreaking collaborations featuring Marina Abramović, William Kentridge, George the Poet, Frantic Assembly, and an orchestral evening celebrating trailblazers in the British grime and hip-hop scene.
Australia’s acclaimed circus company Circa joins forces with the London Philharmonic Orchestra to deliver a rare full-length performance of Ravel’s ballet Daphnis and Chloé (23 April). This unique collaboration blends gravity-defying acrobatics, intimate duos, and aerial solos, creating a sensual and intriguing spectacle that complements the music’s drama and beauty.
Renowned pianist Igor Levit takes on Erik Satie’s enigmatic Vexations under the direction of artistic icon Marina Abramović (24 April). Spanning 16-22 hours and requiring 840 repetitions of the piece, this performance is a test of endurance and artistry, offering audiences a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra partners with Punch Records for LEGACY (28 April), a powerful fusion of grime, hip-hop, rap, and orchestral music. Featuring leading artists from Birmingham and the West Midlands, including Lady Leshurr and Jaykae, this performance celebrates the region’s rich musical heritage and contemporary innovation.
Multitudes promises to push artistic boundaries, offering audiences an unforgettable exploration of orchestral music in bold and unexpected ways.
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.
Aurora_Orchestra Photographer/Creator Nick Rutter, courtesy of Southbank Centre
About Author
