Herbert Blomstedt & Leonidas Kavakos
Revered conductor Herbert Blomstedt, still sharing his musical prowess in his late 90s, conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra in Mahler’s Ninth Symphony.
The last work Mahler completed, his Ninth is a work of overwhelming emotional impact.
In almost 90 minutes, it spans doubt and defiance; grief and hope; climaxes of devastating power; and a hushed ending that can make an enthralled audience of thousands almost forget to breathe.
This chance to hear it in the hands of the Philharmonia Orchestra, and one of the most respected and well-loved conductors of our time, is a highlight in London’s cultural calendar.
First, the orchestra is joined by legendary violinist Leonidas Kavakos to play-direct the fourth of Mozart’s five violin concertos. Its clarity and refinement are the perfect foil to Mahler’s full-bodied fare.
Kavakos’ last performance with the Philharmonia was ‘pitch perfect… [He] gave the audience an afternoon of life-enhancing joy’ (Seen and Heard International).
Performers
Philharmonia Orchestra
Herbert Blomstedt conductor
Leonidas Kavakos director, violin
Repertoire
Mozart: Violin Concerto No.4 in D, K.218
Interval
Mahler: Symphony No.9
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre
The Royal Festival Hall is open six days a week.
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.
Plan your visit
The Royal Festival Hall is home to our largest auditorium as well as The Clore Ballroom, National Poetry Library, Members’ Lounge, Festival Bar & Kitchen, Ballroom Cafe and Skylon restaurant.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
On Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace. You can grab a coffee and a slice of freshly made cake from our Ballroom Cafe. Or alternatively enjoy destination dining in the restaurant at Skylon.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.