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The Royal Festival Hall is closed on Thursday 3 September, re-opening at 5pm to ticket holders only for Letters Live at 7.30pm. The National Poetry Library remains open with entry via the Royal Festival Hall Artists’ Entrance.

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Showing results for: 'Classical music'

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Conor Mitchell: ‘I tried to assimilate for years, but sex is a big part of life’
Mid-shot of Southbank Centre Associate Artist Conor Mitchell, conducting a classical ensemble (including three visible double bass players) in a green room, wearing headphones, black pants and a black t-shirt
Article

Conor Mitchell: ‘I tried to assimilate for years, but sex is a big part of life’

The composer and theatre-maker discusses agitprop, injustices and the inherent campness of the Catholic Church in an in-depth interview.

Who is composer Szymon Laks?
Dan Blaskey portraying polish composer Szymon Laks in the film The Last Musician of Auschwitz; he is glimpsed through an open door seated at table working at a typewriter
Article

Who is composer Szymon Laks?

Introducing the Polish composer who found himself leading the one orchestra that no musician ever wanted to find themselves available for.

So, Hear Me Out: What does pop owe to classical music?
The words ‘Classical goes pop’ in large type, flanked on either side by images of the composer Ludwig van Beethoven and singer Barry Manilow
Podcast

So, Hear Me Out: What does pop owe to classical music?

Classical music goes pop for hosts Gillian Moore and Linton Stephens in this eighth and final episode of our podcast series.

So, Hear Me Out: Are film and game soundtracks ‘proper’ classical music?
The words ‘Films, Games & Classical’ in large type, flanked on either side by images of Scarlett Johansson in the film 'Under the Skin' and characters from the video game Soulcalibur II
Podcast

So, Hear Me Out: Are film and game soundtracks ‘proper’ classical music?

Gillian Moore and Linton Stephens explore the world of film soundtracks and game scores in episode seven of our podcast series.

So, Hear Me Out: Can classical music make you happier?
The words ‘Classical ‘highs in large type, flanked on either side by images of the composers Felix Mendelssohn and Francesca Caccini
Podcast

So, Hear Me Out: Can classical music make you happier?

Gillian Moore and Linton Stephens explore the happiness that classical music can bring in the sixth episode of our podcast series

Alisa Weilerstein: ‘We’re taught that context is everything; why can’t we just skip that and listen?’
A woman in an orange dress, posing with a cello
Article

Alisa Weilerstein: ‘We’re taught that context is everything; why can’t we just skip that and listen?’

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein discusses her musical upbringing, expanding the repertoire and the ‘great equaliser’ of classical music out of context.

How I create… with musician Soumik Datta
Soumik Datta standing outdoors holding his traditional instrument and wearing a red jumper.
Article

How I create… with musician Soumik Datta

The sarod virtuoso on finding inspiration on the go, rewriting his understanding of success and learning to accept feedback.

So, Hear Me Out: Can classical music provide hope to the imprisoned?
The words 'Music behind bars' in large type, flanked on either side by images of the composer Ethel Smyth and composer Olivier Messiaen during his time as a prisoner of war
Podcast

So, Hear Me Out: Can classical music provide hope to the imprisoned?

Gillian Moore and Linton Stephens explore compositions that testify to the resilience of creativity in this fifth episode of our classical music podcast.

My Mixtape: Marius Neset’s 10 tracks he can’t get enough of
Marius Neset, a white man with slicked back blond hair stands by a wall holding a saxophone. The words 'My Mixtape' have been added in front of him in a large font
Playlist

My Mixtape: Marius Neset’s 10 tracks he can’t get enough of

The saxophonist and composer shares ten pieces of music he keeps going back to again and again, and the reasons why.

Who is contemporary classical quintet ZRI?
A group of musicians posing in a green valley, with a waterfall in the background
Article

Who is contemporary classical quintet ZRI?

Meet the contemporary classical and folk music quintet who take inspiration from a bawdy 19th century pub.

So, Hear Me Out: Is classical music just one big remix?
The words ‘Classical as Protest’ in a large font, flanked on either side by images of composer Luciano Berio and Star Wars character Darth Vader.
Podcast

So, Hear Me Out: Is classical music just one big remix?

Gillian Moore and Linton Stephens discuss classical music’s tendency to borrow from its own past in our classical music podcast’s fourth episode.

So, Hear Me Out: Can classical music be protest music?
The words ‘Classical as Protest’ in a large font, flanked on either side by images of composers Julius Eastman and Frederic Rzewski.
Podcast

So, Hear Me Out: Can classical music be protest music?

Hosts Gillian Moore and Linton Stephens contemplate classical music as a form of protest in the third episode of our classical music podcast.