We are designing a journey to the UK and Europe for the fall of 2024. The symphony/philharmonic season, is key to our calendar. I am struggling to find a clear answer to the question, “When do their seasons begin and end in London?” Also, seeking advice on how far in advance we should secure our tickets. While on the subject of performance season in England, we also wish to see a musical at the Palladium and travel to Stratford-upon-Avon for a heavy dose of Shakespeare.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5533 posts
It looks like the current season for the London Philharmonic was announced on 24 April 2023 and the first concert shown in that announcement was on 23 September 2024.
https://lpo.org.uk/season-announcement-2023-24/
Their website shows concerts running through early May. I’d assume the timeframe would be similar for the 2024-2025 season.
Similarly, the LSO’s 2023/2024 calendar is here and once again, I would assume a similar timeframe
https://www.lso.co.uk/browse-our-2023-24-season-brochure/
On their website, you can sign up for email updates which would probably get you on the mailing list for announcements about their 2024/2025 season.
With regard to the Palladium, there may or may not be a musical when you travel. For example, when I was in London last month, Dawn French was doing a couple comedy shows there but there were no plays or musicals. For a musical, I’d choose the musical that you want to see rather than focus on a particular venue.
Posted by
London
590 posts
The London Philharmonic and the London Symphony orchestras both have programmes of concerts year round. Nothing as far in advance as fall 2024 has been announced yet. July and August tends to be quieter for cultural events, but September until Christmas there will be lots on. Popular pieces of music with well known conductors or soloists will sell out reasonably quickly. There's quite a large local audience in London for classical music.
LPO announced their 23/24 season programme in April of this year. I'd expect details of the 24/25 season to be announced in April of 2024. LSO have concerts listed up to June 2024 on their website. Keep checking. Both orchestras have mailing lists you can join that will keep you up to date.
https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/london/
https://www.lso.co.uk/seasons/2023-24-season/
https://www.lcorchestra.co.uk/upcoming-events/ - London Contemporary Orchestra, just in case you're feeling a bit adventurous.
The Southbank Centre, The Barbican and St Martin In The Fields are some venues where you might like to keep up to date with what's happening on their respective websites.
Posted by
London
590 posts
Haha Great minds think alike Laura! Almost word for word :-)
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5331 posts
July and August tends to be quieter for cultural events ...
Although The Proms runs from mid July through into early September. Bit early for the OP though probably.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7327 posts
Don't turn your nose up at the Proms, even if it's a lesser orchestra during your visit. It's an iconic event; We're glad we went.
Posted by
London
590 posts
The Proms runs from mid July through into early September.
I totally forgot about The Proms when I was writing my previous post, despite having worked on several concerts for Radio 3 in the past! It may be done by the time the OP is in town but is definitely worth mentioning in this thread.
The Royal Albert Hall is another venue to add to the list of ones to watch to see if there's anything on that coincides with the OP's trip.
Posted by
Green Bay
20159 posts
Don't forget the Royal Philharmonic and the Philharmonia. Also the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the City of London Symphonia.
https://www.rpo.co.uk/
https://philharmonia.co.uk/
https://www.asmf.org/
https://cityoflondonsinfonia.co.uk/