Guide to classical music in London

Guide to classical music in London

London's classical music lovers are really spoilt for choice when it comes to concert venues. All around the city there are venues where you can listen to classical performances from established names and new talent, including a number of venues where you can take in a performance free of charge. Find out where you can listen to works by your favourite composers or brand new works by contemporary musicians with our guide to classical music in London.

In this guide
  1. Classical music in London
    1. Wigmore Hall – Leading space for chamber music
    2. Royal Albert Hall – Famed for music and architecture
    3. Royal Opera House – Music in Covent Garden
    4. St Martin-in-the-Fields – Lunch break music
    5. Old Royal Naval College – Dazzling concert venue
    6. Conway Hall – Ethical events space
    7. Kings Place – North London music hub
    8. Barbican Centre – Brutalist arts centre
    9. St James's Piccadilly – Peaceful space in bustling Piccadilly
    10. Guildhall School of Music and Drama – Performances from new talent
    11. St Paul's Church – Visit the actors' church
    12. Royal Festival Hall – Thameside concert hall
    13. Royal Academy of Music – UK's oldest conservatoire
    14. London Coliseum – Ornate and expansive
    15. St Olave's Church – Renowned Medieval church
    16. St Anne's Church – Inclusive local church
    17. Cadogan Hall – Luxury concert space
    18. St Stephen Walbrook – Church with lots of activity
    19. Southwark Cathedral – Wide range of recitals
    20. St John's Smith Square – Acoustics and atmosphere
    21. LSO St Luke's – Experience the London Symphony Orchestra
    22. Institut Français – Enjoy French culture and language

Classical music in London

Wigmore Hall

Leading space for chamber music

Intimate concert hall Wigmore Hall has a capacity of under 600 and impressive acoustics. It's internationally renowned as a site for chamber music. Sought-after acts perform here as well as new talent, with genres ranging from Renaissance music to contemporary works. The venue livestreams some concerts and has its own education programme.

Royal Albert Hall – Classical music
Royal Albert Hall
Royal Albert Hall – Classical music
Royal Albert Hall
Royal Albert Hall – Classical music
Royal Albert Hall
Royal Albert Hall – Classical music
Royal Albert Hall
Royal Albert Hall – Classical music
Royal Albert Hall
Royal Albert Hall – Classical music
Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall

Famed for music and architecture

Grade I listed building the Royal Albert Hall is one of the capital's architectural marvels. It's also one of London's top venues for taking in classical music performances, as well as concerts covering other genres. It's perhaps best known as the home of the BBC Proms, a celebration of classical music that takes place every summer.

Royal Opera House

Music in Covent Garden

If you enjoy opera music then the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is a must. This Grade I listed building is one of the largest concert halls in the capital. Ballet and opera performances are on regularly but you can also visit for a tour of this impressive site.

St Martin-in-the-Fields

Lunch break music

Moments from Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields is an inclusive Anglican church that's particularly well-known for classical and choral music performances. There are regular free lunchtime concerts as well as evening performances, taking place in a unique atmosphere. The church also hosts family-friendly and educational performances that everyone can appreciate.

Old Royal Naval College

Dazzling concert venue

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is a fascinating historical building with lots happening, from dog shows to yoga classes or music performances. Head to the chapel with stunning stained glass windows to enjoy choral and classical concerts in glorious surroundings. This venue is notably a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conway Hall

Ethical events space

Conway Hall serves at the HQ for The Ethical Society and hosts a wide range of events that promote ethics. There are discussions, art exhibitions, comedy shows, and regular performances of classical music. Classical concerts featuring a variety of acts are on every Sunday. The performance space has a grand look with a curved ceiling.

Kings Place

North London music hub

Located near King's Cross, Kings Place is a music hub with two concert halls in one venue. Visitors can enjoy a year-round programme of classical music, along with other genres like jazz, folk, and contemporary music. There are also educational and family-friendly performances, plus other events like comedy shows, discussions, and art exhibitions at the in-house galleries.

Barbican Centre

Brutalist arts centre

The Barbican Centre is a renowned example of Brutalist architecture. This arts centre has lots to enjoy, including an indoor rainforest, art exhibitions, a library, and regular performances of both classical and contemporary music. You can enjoy opera, ancient music, and contemporary classical compositions here, including performances by the London Symphony Orchestra.

St James's Piccadilly

Peaceful space in bustling Piccadilly

St James's Church is located right in the middle of Piccadilly and has plenty going on besides religious services. It's a popular place to visit for classical music performances, including free-of-charge recitals at lunchtime and intimate performances illuminated by candlelight. You can catch performances from world-renowned musicians as well as up-and-coming talent.

Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Performances from new talent

Guildhall School of Music and Drama is a leading music and drama school that puts on regular public performances. There are hundreds of performances each year including orchestral and classical music, opera, and jazz. There are also talks and interactive workshops here. Some of the events are free of charge.

St Paul's Church

Visit the actors' church

Widely known as the actors' church, St Paul's Church in Covent Garden is an appealing red brick church. There are religious services plus much more to discover. There are choral music performances as well as free classical music recitals at lunchtimes. Other events at the church include theatrical productions and events for children.

Royal Festival Hall

Thameside concert hall

The Royal Festival Hall sits on the banks of the Thames and is part of the Southbank Centre. It's one of London's leading classical music venues. There are a wide variety of classical music performances here as well as gigs from contemporary acts, comedy shows, theatre, and events aimed at children and families. Bars and eateries are also available on-site.

Royal Academy of Music

UK's oldest conservatoire

The oldest conservatoire in the country is the Royal Academy of Music. As well as educating up-and-coming talent, the school hosts public performances and recitals. You can enjoy performances from students as well as established names. Genres include classical, opera, chamber music, and jazz. Public masterclasses with top musicians are also held here.

London Coliseum

Ornate and expansive

London's largest theatre is the ornate London Coliseum, with a capacity of 2,359. This grand venue plays host to regular performances of opera music, as well as ballet productions – it's the home of the English National Ballet. A varied range of music events are on, including classical interpretations of pop hits.

St Olave's Church

Renowned Medieval church

St Olave's Church is one of the capital's few surviving Medieval churches and is the burial place of Samuel Pepys. This impressive building is home to weekly church services that are streamed online. There are regular lunchtime performances of classical music too, featuring work by composers such as Bach and Chopin.

St Anne's Church

Inclusive local church

In Wandsworth you'll see St Anne's Church, a Grade II listed church with an inclusive and friendly attitude. There are religious services and Bible study groups as well as a variety of other activities. These include regular performances of classical and choral music. Music fans can join the choir here. You can also hire the church hall for events and parties.

Cadogan Hall

Luxury concert space

Intimate venue Cadogan Hall has a capacity of just 950. This Chelsea venue is unique and luxurious, and it's the home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. As well as taking in a classical or orchestral performance here you can enjoy genres like folk and jazz or join film screenings, discussions, and dance performances.

St Stephen Walbrook

Church with lots of activity

In the heart of the city, St Stephen Walbrook is a popular church with grand and ornate architecture. There are lots of activities happening here. There are church services and prayer sessions as well as a range of musical performances. Take in a classical concert at lunchtime or visit for choral music and jazz sessions.

Southwark Cathedral

Wide range of recitals

Music is a big deal at Southwark Cathedral, which is home to an impressive cathedral organ and a cathedral choir. A variety of concerts and recitals take place here as well spanning genres including jazz, classical, and choral music. These include some free afternoon recitals and organ recitals. If you'd like to organise your own recital you can also do that here.

St John's Smith Square

Acoustics and atmosphere

Church and concert hall St John's Smith Square was restored in the 1960s and is a unique space to take in a performance. It combines impressive acoustics, architecture, and atmosphere to create a distinctive musical experience. It's one of the city's top destinations for classical music and also has its own café in the crypt.

LSO St Luke's

Experience the London Symphony Orchestra

Grade I listed church building LSO St Luke's is now a base for the London Symphony Orchestra. At this distinctive building there are regular performances for classical and orchestral music fans. Daytime and evening recitals take place here, including lunchtime concerts. Added to that, there are musical workshops and classical music talks.

Institut Français

Enjoy French culture and language

At the Institut Français you can immerse yourself in French culture and language. Browse in the library, attend a film screening, join a language course, or attend a concert. Musical performances here cover a variety of genres, including classical and Middle Age music. There are also activities suitable for children and a library just for children.

Send suggestion

Did we miss something in this guide?

Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.