MARCH
Welcome to the Southbank Centre
On now at the Hayward Gallery, a major survey of work by the influential British artist Mike Nelson transforms the gallery’s spaces, creating new uncanny worlds with his immersive installations. The result is a truly captivating exhibition that reflects our world through a fictive lens, giving us a wealth of new perspectives.
Returning to our halls for its final run, the highly acclaimed show Burgerz by Travis Alabanza, one of the UK’s most prominent trans voices, is a powerful and timely performance that demands to be seen.
And taking over our site for three days, WOW – Women of the World is back. Marking International Women’s Day, the festival,
which launched here 13 years ago, has gone from strength to strength, becoming a global movement for women and girls. It speaks for the change that we hope to inspire and create every day here at the Southbank Centre.
Mark Ball
Artistic Director, Southbank Centre
Friday 10 – Sunday 12 March
WOW – Women of the World
The celebration of women, girls and non-binary people is back with three days of life-changing conversations, incredible performances and interactive workshops
WOW Festival began right here at the Southbank Centre in 2010, launched by our former artistic director Jude Kelly CBE to celebrate women and girls and take a frank look at the challenges facing them.
Today, WOW is a global foundation with a far-reaching impact: it’s reached five million people on six continents, and is known for presenting great thinkers of today.
In our halls
This year doesn’t fall short when it comes to celebrated speakers. One of the leading feminist voices of our time, Roxane Gay speaks on topics ranging from politics and patriarchy to Beyoncé and reality television.
Mainstays of the airwaves Jane and Fi present a live episode of their new podcast, filled with witty chat and insightful discussions. And we’re joined by Oloni, called ‘the UK’s favourite sexpert’ by Stylist
Get involved
But it’s not just about the big names – wander
around our site for workshops, hands-on activities, gigs and more, all for free.
On all three days, WOW Pop-Ups give you an opportunity to try your hand at skipping, learn self-defence skills, and hear music and spoken word, while the popular WOW Speed Mentoring sessions give you a chance to meet incredible people from a variety of fields.
And in the foyer spaces of the Royal Festival Hall, explore the heart of the festival, the bustling WOW Marketplace.
Spend the day
WOW Day Passes give you access to tons of thought-provoking speakers and performances across a whole day. Opening the Friday Day Pass, Kelly leads the conversation on women’s rights with guests including former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard.
On Saturday, topics for the day take in Bengali activism, true crime, hair loss, climate and childcare, with speakers including Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, Kathy Burke and Pat Mitchell.
And rounding off the weekend, Sunday’s Day Pass features speakers including journalist Sali Hughes, broadcaster Lauren Laverne, Shahroo Izadi on kindness, and Octavia Bright on addiction and recovery.
Don’t forget the kids
The next generation of gender equality champions are invited to explore what equality means and discover what life is like for young people across the world.
Plus, children can find joy with illustrator Dapo Adeola, hear about a young superhero from author Tolá Okogwu, and meet the creators of a feminist reworking of a Hans Christian Andersen tale.
For the full line-up, head to our website
March highlights
Also this month...
Inside Beethoven at Printworks
Aurora Orchestra and Nwando Ebizie invite you to step inside Beethoven’s mighty Fifth Symphony in an immersive experience at Printworks London.
Thursday 23 March
Burgerz by Travis Alabanza
Hurled words. Thrown objects. Dodged Burgers. Travis Alabanza’s show returns, in the final run of this timely, unsettling and powerful performance.
Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 March
Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons
Our current Hayward Gallery exhibition is the first major survey of work by internationally acclaimed British artist Mike Nelson, featuring his psychologically charged and atmospheric installations.
Nelson’s installations take the viewer on enthralling journeys into fictive worlds that eerily echo our own. Constructed with materials scavenged from salvage yards, junk shops, auctions and flea markets, the immersive installations have a startling life-like quality.
The exhibition features sculptural works and new versions of key largescale installations, many of which are shown here for the first time since their original presentations.
Wednesday 22 February – Sunday 7 May
Find out more about the exhibition on our website
Síbín
Lewisham-born musical polymath Kwake Bass leads an intimate one-off gig with curated visuals, presented by south-east London collective Síbín.
Sunday 26 March
Alice Sara Ott & Friends: Schubert's Trout Quintet
In her first performance as a Resident Artist, pianist Alice Sara Ott takes us on a rural ramble via works by Beethoven, Schubert and Vaughan Williams.
Sunday 19 March
Rug Rhymes
Our regular Friday sessions in the National Poetry Library introduce under-fives to rhyme-tastic puppets Federico and Firebird.
Friday 3 & Friday 17 March
Bassem
Youssef:
UK Tour
The surgeon-turned-comedian, host of groundbreaking Egyptian political satire programme Al Bernameg, is here with his oneman show.
Thursday 9 March
Literature & talks
We’re the home of literature and spoken word events in the UK, and our programme brims with today’s bestselling authors, rising literary stars and awardwinning poetry
Wednesday 1
Special Edition: After Sylvia, Poets on Plath
Uncover the life and legacy of Sylvia Plath in an event featuring specially commissioned poems. For ages 12+.
8pm; National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £7
Friday 3 & Friday 17 Rug Rhymes
Find your spot on the poem rug for a short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11.30am; National Poetry Library Little Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 10
Friday WOW Festival Day Pass
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Be there for the start of the world’s biggest festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people. Some events included in the day pass are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).
From 10.30am; Royal Festival Hall; £45
Saturday 11
Joyful Joyful: Stories Celebrating Black Voices
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Find joy in readings and live drawing with illustrator Dapo Adeola, as he presents his new book. For ages 8 – 11.
10.15am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (adult) £7.50 (child)
Saturday WOW Festival Day Pass
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Spend a day in outstanding, inspiring company exploring the state of play for gender equality. Some events included in the day pass are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-toText transcribed (STT).
From 10.30am; Royal Festival Hall; £45
The Big O with Oloni at WOW
Part of WOW – Women of the World
‘The UK’s favourite sexpert’ leads a fun, frank conversation about sex, love and relationships. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech -to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £25
Sunday 12
The Little Match Girl Strikes Back
Part of WOW – Women of the World Discover how Emma Carroll and Lauren Child gave Hans Christian Andersen’s tale a feminist twist in their empowering children’s book. For ages 7+.
10.15am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (adult) £7.50 (child)
Tolá Okogwu: Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Play your part in the tale of a girl with psychokinetic hair, as told by its author. For ages 8+.
10.15am; Blue Bar, Level 4, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (adult) £7.50 (child)
Sunday WOW Festival Day Pass
Part of WOW – Women of the World Don’t miss a moment on the last day of the world’s biggest festival dedicated to gender equality. Some events included in the day pass are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-toText transcribed (STT).
From 10.30am; Royal Festival Hall; £45
Thursday 16
Eleanor Catton: Birnam Wood
Birnam Wood is on the move… the author of The Luminaries discusses her new novel, a gripping thriller. This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Out-Spoken: March
Part of Purcell Sessions
For a party atmosphere, the best in UK poetry and some bumping live music, Out-Spoken is here for you. For ages 16+.
7.45pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12
Saturday 18
Uncovering Careers in Literature & Spoken Word
If you’re aged 14 to 18 and curious about jobs in the literature industry, join us for a day of free workshops and Q&As.
12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Sunday 19
Out-Spoken Masterclass: March
Power-up your poetry in a threehour session based on a poet’s own approach. For ages 18+.
1pm; Sunley Pavilion, Level 3, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £20
Thursday 23
The War in Ukraine: How Does It End?
Leading experts gather to debate the possible paths to peace in Ukraine and how to end the war. This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 16+.
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £25
Sunday 26
Poetry London Spring Readings
The magazine launches its spring 2023 issue with live readings from Imtiaz Dharker, John Challis, Karen Solie and Qudsia Akhtar. For ages 16+.
7.15pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10
Elizabeth Day: Friendaholic
The author celebrates the publication of her new book in conversation with Phoebe WallerBridge. This event is Speech-toText transcribed (STT) and British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 16+.
8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £28 – £40
Gigs
Stand-out solo artists, classic garage, captivating club nights: whatever you’re into, join us for gigs showcasing sensational new sounds from across the globe
Wednesday 1
Damsel Elysium x LCO
Part of Purcell Sessions
Multi-instrumentalist, composer and experimental sound and visual artist Damsel Elysium marries their creations with the London Contemporary Orchestra. For ages 14+.
8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12.50
Thursday 2
Suzanne Vega
The songwriter behind classic hits ‘Luka’ and ‘Tom’s Diner’ returns to London. Support comes from Sam Lee. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £35 – £59.50
Sunday 5
Cassie Kinoshi
Part of Purcell Sessions
Already nominated for the Mercury Prize as part of SEED Ensemble, and a key part of KOKOROKO, Cassie Kinoshi is a captivating alto-saxophonist, composer and arranger. For ages 14+.
8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Friday 10
WOW Sounds
Presents LayFullstop
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Find your spot for a free gig by an experimenter in jazz electronica, gospel, soul and hip-hop.
6.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 11
UK Jazz Plus Sessions: Live at WOW
Part of WOW – Women of the World Watch a powerhouse bill picked from a rich and growing list of UK jazz singer-songwriters.
9pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 19
aya x MFO
Part of Purcell Sessions aya, formerly known as LOFT, packs force into tiny details to create bracing, emotive, experimental music. Here, she’s joined by visual artist Marcel Weber. For ages 14+.
8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15
Sunday 26
Síbín
Part of Purcell Sessions
South-east London collective Síbín presents a new music project led by Kwake Bass, with curated visuals. For ages 14+.
8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £12.50
Art & exhibitions
From internationally acclaimed artists at the Hayward Gallery to pop-up installations and immersive experiences, art and exhibitions can be found all around our site
Throughout the month
Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons
The first major survey of the artist’s work includes installations and sculptural works from the past 25 years.
Wed – Fri, 10am – 6pm; Sat, 10am – 8pm; Sun, 10am – 6pm (closed Mon & Tue); Hayward Gallery; Hayward Gallery supporter £16.50*; standard £15
Poets in Vogue
Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our free exhibition. For ages 16+.
Until Sun 25 Jun; Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed –Sun, 12 noon – 8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
The Hop
A luminous public pavilion almost four metres high grows from the side of the Hayward Gallery: Jyll Bradley’s interactive commission links our urban landscape to the hop gardens of Kent.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free
Souad Abdelrassoul: Me
You And The Journey
Appearing outside the Hayward Gallery, Me You And The Journey is a painting of two figures, partially shrouded in cloth, by the artist Souad Abdelrassoul.
Daily, 24 hours; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free
Klaus
Weber:
Thinking Fountains
Thinking Fountains is an outdoor sculpture commission featuring two bronze figures.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free
Thursday 9
Mike Nelson in Conversation with Ralph Rugoff
Hear the artist discuss his work and current exhibition with Hayward Gallery Director Ralph Rugoff.
7pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £5
Friday 24 Master of Reality: Talks on Nelson’s Exhibition
Speakers from art history, architecture, film studies and neuroscience unpack themes in our Hayward Gallery exhibition
Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons
3pm – 6.30pm; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; check website for prices
Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons. * Supporter tickets include a voluntary donation of at least 10% of the standard admission charge, to support the Southbank Centre’s work. If you buy a supporter ticket and make a Gift Aid declaration, we can claim the tax paid on the full ticket price, not just the donation.
Classical music
Our programme celebrates classical music in the 21st century, bringing together some of the most exciting artists and ensembles working in classical music today
Wednesday 1
Royal Philharmonic Society Awards 2023
Rub shoulders with the stars and discover inspiring artists as one of classical music’s biggest awards nights comes to the Southbank Centre.
7pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £10 – £30
Friday 3
Robert Quinney Plays JS Bach
The organist puts the Royal Festival Hall’s splendid organ through its paces in an evening of the uplifting works of JS Bach.
Bach Toccata and Fugue in F, BWV.540; Sonata No.1 in E flat, BWV.525; Toccata and Fugue in D minor (Dorian), BWV.538; Sonata No.5 in C, BWV.529; Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV.582
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15
Saturday 4
Aurora Orchestra: The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse
The much-loved children’s story becomes a musical adventure in this performance. For ages 4 – 8.
Martin Suckling The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse (World premiere)
10.15am & 12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £25
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Gardner Conducts Rachmaninov
When the LPO premiered George Benjamin’s Sudden Time in 1993, they launched a modern British classic.
Edward Gardner conductor Leif Ove Andsnes piano
George Benjamin Sudden time; Grieg Piano Concerto; Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Sunday 5
The Music of The Lord of the Rings and Beyond
Embark on an epic quest with music from classic fantasy films
London Concert Orchestra
Toby Purser conductor
Brighton Festival Chorus Programme includes excerpts from: Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Witcher, Game of Thrones, Dragonheart, The Chronicles of Narnia, How to Train your Dragon, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars & Avatar
3pm; Royal Festival Hall; £19.50 – £54.50
London Sinfonietta:
Sir Harrison Birtwistle –A Tribute
The London Sinfonietta pays tribute to one of its longeststanding collaborators.
Martyn Brabbins conductor
Abigail Sinclair soprano
Lisa Dafydd soprano
Royal Academy of Music
Manson Ensemble Londinium
Birtwistle The Message (Duet 1); Virelai (Sus une fontayne); Verses for Ensembles; The Fields of Sorrow; In Broken Images
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £20 – £35
Wednesday 8
Alexandre Kantorow: Brahms & Schubert
The piano star, hailed as ‘a firebreathing virtuoso’, returns to the Queen Elizabeth Hall following his spectacular sold-out debut last season.
Brahms Piano Sonata No.1 in C, Op.1; Schubert Selection of Songs arr. Liszt for piano; Fantasy in C, D.760 (Wandererfantasie)
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
Thursday 9
Chineke! Orchestra: Coleridge-Taylor, Price, Simon
Elena Urioste joins the orchestra for Coleridge-Taylor’s beguiling Violin Concerto.
Andrew Grams conductor Elena Urioste violin
Carlos Simon Fate now conquers; Coleridge-Taylor Violin Concerto in G minor, Op.80; Price Symphony No.1 in E minor
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £40
Wednesday 15
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Tchaikovsky's Fifth
‘With desire and passion’, wrote Tchaikovsky over the second movement of his Fifth Symphony, and if you’ve heard Canellakis in action with the LPO, you’ll know that she won’t hold back.
Karina Canellakis conductor
Daniil Trifonov piano
Beethoven Overture, Coriolan; Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.3; Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Reigate Grammar School in Concert
In its annual London performance, Reigate Grammar School brings together the talents of its musical community.
Programme includes: Orff Excerpts from Carmina Burana; Arturo Márquez Navarro La conga del fuego nuevo; Valentin Silvestrov Prayer for the Ukraine; Allah Rakha Rahman Excerpts from Slumdog Millionaire arr. Jay Bocook
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15.50 –£19.50
Thursday 16
Philharmonia Orchestra: Paavo Järvi Conducts
Mahler 3
Surrender to the Philharmonia Orchestra’s mighty performance of Mahler’s Third Symphony.
Paavo Järvi conductor
Hongni Wu soprano
Philharmonia Voices (Ladies)
Tiffin Boys' Choir
Mahler Symphony No.3
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £70
Friday 17
Maurizio Pollini
An unmissable solo recital from Maurizio Pollini, a living legend of the piano.
Programme to be announced.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £65
Saturday 18
Bombay Jayashri in Concert
The internationally renowned Indian classical singer shares her signature Carnatic compositions. Bombay Jayashri carnatic vocal
HN Bhaskar violin
Sai Giridhar mridangam
Giridhar Udupa ghatam
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £17.50 – £25
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Tears and Laughter
Even today, it’s hard to tell whether Shostakovich’s mighty Fifth Symphony tells a story of triumph or despair.
Andrey Boreyko conductor
Kristina Blaumane cello
London Philharmonic Choir
Victoria Vita Polevá Nova (World premiere); Elena Langer The Dong with a Luminous Nose for cello, chorus & orchestra (World premiere); Shostakovich Symphony No.5 in D minor
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Sunday 19
Alice Sara Ott & Friends:
Schubert's Trout Quintet
A chamber concert celebrates the joys of the countryside.
Alice Sara Ott piano
Benjamin Appl baritone
Thomas Reif violin
Nils Mönkemeyer viola
Sebastian Klinger cello
Wies de Boevé double bass
Schubert Piano Quintet in A, D.667 (Trout); Beethoven Farewell, farewell thou noisy town, WoO.155 No.8; The Pulse of an Irishman, WoO.154 No.4; Since greybeards inform us that youth will decay, WoO.153 No.4; Schubert Wohin? from Die schöne Müllerin, D.795; Der Wanderer an den Mond, D.870; Auf dem Strom, D.943; Vaughan Williams Searching for lambs 3pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £45
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Bach in Excelsis – The Mass in B Minor
Václav Luks makes his OAE debut in a chamber interpretation of Bach’s monumental Mass.
Václav Luks director
Julia Doyle soprano
Anna Devin soprano
Hugh Cutting counter-tenor
Hugo Hymas tenor
Roderick Williams baritone
Bach Mass in B minor
7pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £82
Wednesday 22
RPO Journeys of Discovery: Freedom
Hear the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra play Mahler’s daring revision of Beethoven’s Ninth.
Sir Andrew Davis conductor
Elizabeth Watts soprano
Claudia Huckle contralto
Nicky Spence tenor
Matthew Brook bass-baritone
The Bach Choir
Beethoven Overture, Fidelio; Mahler Selection of songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn; Beethoven Symphony No.9 (Choral) arr. Mahler
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £50
Thursday 23
Aurora Orchestra: Inside Beethoven at Printworks
Step inside Beethoven’s mighty Fifth Symphony in an immersive experience at Printworks London from Aurora Orchestra, plus hear new music by Nwando Ebizie. For ages 16+ or 14+ with an adult.
Nicholas Collon conductor
Nwando Ebizie electronics
Beethoven Symphony No.5 (performed from memory); Nwando Ebizie New work
6pm & 9pm; Printworks; £29.50
Music of Today: Anna Clyne Curates II
Anna Clyne, the Philharmonia’s Featured Composer this season, curates a captivating free concert.
Players from the Philharmonia Orchestra
Delyana Lazarova conductor Nathalie Joachim Seen; Anna Clyne Overflow; Grace-Evangeline Mason The Water Garden (World premiere)
6pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed
Philharmonia Orchestra: Romeo & Juliet Forever – Pekka Kuusisto Conducts
As long as teenagers fall in love, Romeo and Juliet will never go out of fashion – the Philharmonia presents three retellings of the star-crossed tale.
Pekka Kuusisto conductor Martin Fröst clarinet Bellini Sinfonia from I Capuleti e i Montecchi; Anna Clyne Weathered for clarinet & orchestra (UK premiere); Tchaikovsky Fantasy Overture, Romeo and Juliet (vers. standard, 1880); Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £70 The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall at 9.30pm: Post-concert Insights Talk. Admission free.
Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons.
Classical music multi-buy: with our multibuy offers, you can book concerts from across our classical music programme and receive a discount. There is a small number of events that aren’t included in the multibuy offer. Check individual event pages on our website for further details.
Children aged 7+ are welcome at most Southbank Centre classical concerts, except where indicated.
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Friday 24
Daniel Pioro, Valgeir Sigurðsson & Liam Byrne
Three artists from Icelandic label Bedroom Community fuse the ancient and the new in a rare collaboration.
Daniel Pioro violin
Liam Byrne viola da gamba
Valgeir Sigurðsson electronics, synthesiser, keyboards Studio Collective Programme includes works from: Daniel Pioro Dust; Liam Byrne Concrete; Valgeir Sigurðsson Dissonance; and the world premiere of a new work by all three composers
8pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £25
Saturday 25
Aurora with Jan Lisiecki
Aurora Orchestra pairs Beethoven works with a new piece from one of the most exciting voices in 21stcentury music.
Nicholas Collon conductor Jan Lisiecki piano
Beethoven Piano Concerto No.4; Héloïse Werner New work (World premiere); Beethoven Symphony No.5 (performed from memory)
4pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £65
London Philharmonic Orchestra: A House of Call
Words open up new worlds as the LPO premieres a James Joyceinspired work by composer Heiner Goebbels.
Vimbayi Kaziboni conductor Heiner Goebbels A House of Call (UK premiere)
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall at 6.15pm: Pre-concert talk; at 9.30pm: Post-concert talk. Admission free.
Sunday 26
Philharmonia Orchestra:
Esa-Pekka Salonen & Bryn Terfel – Wagner & Bruckner
The opera legend performs highlights from two roles that confirm his standing as one of today’s greatest Wagnerians. Esa-Pekka Salonen conductor Bryn Terfel bass-baritone
Wagner Overture; Was duftet doch der Flieder from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg; Prelude to Act 3 from Lohengrin; Leb wohl, du kuhnes, herrliches Kind! (Wotan's farewell) & Loge, hör! Lausche hieher! (Magic fire music) from Die Walküre, Act 3; Bruckner Symphony No.6
3pm; Royal Festival Hall; £20 – £75 Royal Festival Hall at 1.30pm: Pre-concert Insights Talk. Admission free.
Re:Sound – Voices of Our Cities
A world premiere of nine microoperas that explore UK cities from the point of view of people who have experienced homelessness.
BBC Concert Orchestra Keith Lockhart conductor Members of The Sixteen Streetwise Opera Bernstein Times Square 1944 from 3 Dance episodes from On the Town; Copland Night Thoughts from Music for a Great City; Errollyn Wallen Mighty River; Re:sound 9 short operas by: Electra Perivolaris, Ben See, Kemal Yusuf, Alison Willis, Tim Lole, Elizabeth Kelly, Nicholas Lewis, Emily Levy & Michael Betteridge
7.30pm; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £30
Thursday 30
Philharmonia Chamber
Players: Bruckner
With its blissfully beautiful Adagio, Bruckner’s String Quintet delights - hear it in a free performance. Benjamin Marquise Gilmore violin Annabelle Meare violin Yukiko Ogura viola Sylvain Séailles viola Richard Birchall cello Bruckner String Quintet in F 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Philharmonia Orchestra: Santtu Conducts Brahms, Schumann & Sibelius
The Philharmonia’s Principal Conductor picks Sibelius’ Symphony No.5, a listeners’ favourite.
Santtu-Matias Rouvali conductor Diego Incertis Sánchez horn Laurence Davies horn Jonathan Maloney horn Carsten Williams horn Brahms Academic Festival Overture; Schumann Konzertstück in F for 4 horns & orchestra, Op.86; Sibelius Symphony No.5 in E flat 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £15 – £70
Friday 31
London Philharmonic Orchestra: Heroes and Heroines
Few sonic experiences are more invigorating than Sibelius’ Second Symphony.
Dima Slobodeniouk conductor Beatrice Rana piano
Tania León Stride (UK premiere); Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.25; Sibelius Symphony No.2 in D 7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £14 – £65
Performance & comedy
Incisive comedy, powerful performance and live podcasts: discover international artists and up-and-coming names here in our venues
Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12
Burgerz by Travis Alabanza
Another round of hurled words, thrown objects and dodged burgers, as the artist’s show returns. The event on Fri 10 Mar at 8pm is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL). For ages 14+.
Wed – Fri, 8pm; Sat, 3pm & 8pm; Sun, 5pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; £18
Thursday 9
Bassem Youssef: UK Tour
The host of the first political satire show in the Middle East, Al Bernameg, brings us his one-man show. For ages 16+.
8pm; Royal Festival Hall; £35 – £55
Friday 10
Friday WOW Festival Day Pass
Part of WOW – Women of the World Be there for the start of the world’s biggest festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people. Some events included in the day pass are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-to-Text transcribed (STT).
From 10.30am; Royal Festival Hall; £45
Off Air with Jane & Fi at WOW
Part of WOW – Women of the World Watch legendary broadcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover record their new podcast, full of witty chat and some of the more amusing news of the day. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech -to-Text transcribed (STT). For ages 14+.
7.30pm; Royal Festival Hall; £10 – £38
Saturday 11
Saturday WOW Festival Day Pass
Part of WOW – Women of the World Spend a day in outstanding, inspiring company exploring the state of play for gender equality. Some events included in the day pass are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-toText transcribed (STT).
From 10.30am; Royal Festival Hall; £45
Sunday 12
Sunday WOW Festival Day Pass
Part of WOW – Women of the World Don’t miss a moment on the last day of the world’s biggest festival dedicated to gender equality. Some events included in the day pass are British Sign Language interpreted (BSL) and Speech-toText transcribed (STT).
From 10.30am; Royal Festival Hall; £45
Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons.
Classical music multi-buy: with our multibuy offers, you can book concerts from across our classical music programme and receive a discount. There is a small number of events that aren’t included in the multibuy offer. Check individual event pages on our website for further details.
Children aged 7+ are welcome at most Southbank Centre classical concerts, except where indicated.
Family
Our events are not just for the grown-ups – this month, bring young gender equality champions to WOW Festival, find joy in readings and learn about jobs in literature
Wednesday 1, 8, 15 & 22
Southbank Centre Youth Voices
Young people aged 11 – 18 are invited to join Southbank Centre Youth Voices to discover the joy of singing with vocal leaders Nathan Devonte and Osnat Schmool.
Wednesdays during term time; 5pm – 7pm; Violet Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free (email emergingartists@southbankcentre. co.uk to sign up)
Friday 3 & Friday 17
Rug Rhymes
Find your spot on the poem rug for a short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11.30am; National Poetry Library Little Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 4
Aurora Orchestra: The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse
A mouse and duck set up home inside a wolf in this much-loved children’s story, which becomes a musical adventure in this performance. For ages 4 – 8. Martin Suckling The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse (World premiere)
10.15am & 12 noon; Queen Elizabeth Hall; £15 – £25
Saturday 11
Joyful Joyful: Stories
Celebrating Black Voices
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Find joy in readings and live drawing with illustrator Dapo Adeola, as he presents his new book. For ages 8 – 11.
10.15am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (adult) £7.50 (child)
WOW Under-10s
Feminist Corner for Girls: Ages 6 & 7
Part of WOW – Women of the World
If you’re a gender equality champion aged six or seven, this workshop’s for you.
10.30am; Foyle Pavilion, Level 3, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £6
WOW Under-10s
Feminist Corner for Girls: Ages 8 – 10
Part of WOW – Women of the World
If you’re a gender equality champion aged eight to ten, this workshop’s for you.
5pm; Foyle Pavilion, Level 3, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £6
Sunday 12
The Little Match Girl Strikes Back
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Discover how Emma Carroll and Lauren Child gave Hans Christian Andersen’s tale a feminist twist. For ages 7+.
10.15am; Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (adult) £7.50 (child)
Tolá Okogwu: Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Play your part in the tale of a girl with psychokinetic hair, as told by its author. For ages 8+.
10.15am; Blue Bar, Level 4, Royal Festival Hall; £10 (adult) £7.50 (child)
WOW Under-10s
Feminist Corner for Boys
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Are you a budding gender equality champion? Don’t miss this workshop for ages eight to ten.
10.30am; Foyle Pavilion, Level 3, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £6
WOW Under-10s
Feminist Corner for Girls: Ages 8 – 10
Part of WOW – Women of the World
If you’re a gender equality champion aged eight to ten, this workshop’s for you.
5pm; Foyle Pavilion, Level 3, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; £6
Saturday 18
Uncovering Careers in Literature & Spoken Word
If you’re aged 14 to 18 and curious about jobs in the literature industry, join us for a day of free workshops and Q&As.
12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Free events
There's lots to see and do for free, including performances by worldleading classical musicians and playful family events
Throughout the month Poets in Vogue
Uncover the relationship between the language of poets and the clothes they wear at our free exhibition. For ages 16+.
Until Sun 25 Jun; Tue, 12 noon – 6pm; Wed –Sun, 12 noon – 8pm (closed Mon); National Poetry Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
The Hop
A luminous public pavilion almost four metres high grows from the side of the Hayward Gallery: Jyll Bradley’s interactive commission links our urban landscape to the hop gardens of Kent.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free Souad Abdelrassoul: Me
You And The Journey
Appearing outside the Hayward Gallery, Me You And The Journey is a painting of two figures, partially shrouded in cloth, by the artist Souad Abdelrassoul.
Daily, 24 hours; Billboard Space, Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free
Klaus Weber: Thinking Fountains
Thinking Fountains is an outdoor sculpture commission featuring two bronze figures.
Daily, 24 hours; Hayward Gallery Terrace; Free
Friday 10 WOW Pop-Ups: Friday
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Awe-inspiring performances or a fun-packed workshop – try your hand at all sorts with WOW PopUps.
From 10am; across the site; Free WOW Sounds Presents LayFullstop
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Find your spot for a free gig by an experimenter in jazz electronica, gospel, soul and hip-hop.
6.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Friday 10 & Saturday 11
WOW Speed Mentoring
Part of WOW – Women of the World
Share your challenges, exchange ideas and stories and meet amazing mentors, including WOW speakers. For ages 14+.
Fri 10, 9am & Sat 11, 5.30pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Friday 10 – Sunday 12
WOW Marketplace
Part of WOW – Women of the World Come and explore the heart of the festival, a bustling indoor market showcasing women- and nonbinary-led businesses, charities and activist organisations.
Wednesday 15
Arts & Wellbeing
Morning Mingle
Join our Arts & Wellbeing team for a morning of coffee, conversation and creativity, to find out about our regular programme of events, workshops and projects that are open to all. This event is British Sign Language interpreted (BSL).
10.30am – 2pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, RSVP to artsandwellbeing@southbankcentre.co.uk
Friday 17
Archive Drop-in
Drop in and try your hand at organising the history of the Southbank Centre. For ages 18+.
11am; Archive Studio, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Mix & Move: Bollywood Fusion
Whatever your experience level, dance like the stars of Bollywood as Krupa Chavda leads you through the moves at our monthly Mix & Move event.
1pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 18
Uncovering Careers in Literature & Spoken Word
Wednesday 1, 8, 15 & 22
Southbank Centre Youth Voices
Young people aged 11 – 18 are invited to join Southbank Centre Youth Voices to discover the joy of singing with vocal leaders Nathan Devonte and Osnat Schmool.
Wednesdays during term time; 5pm – 7pm; Violet Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free (email emergingartists@southbankcentre. co.uk to sign up)
Friday 3 & Friday 17 Rug Rhymes
Find your spot on the poem rug for a short session of nursery rhymes and poems for under-5s.
11.30am; National Poetry Library Little Library, Level 5, Blue Side, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Thursday 9
Teacher CPD with Aurora Orchestra
Aurora Orchestra leads a day of Continuing Professional Development for music-specialist and non-specialist early years (EYFS) and primary teachers who want to build their confidence at leading music in their classrooms.
10.15am & 11am; Violet Room, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
From 11.30am; Green Side & Blue Side Foyers, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Saturday 11
WOW Pop-Ups: Saturday
Part of WOW – Women of the World Wander into a wonderful variety of free performances and workshops.
From 10am; across the site; Free
UK Jazz Plus Sessions: Live at WOW
Part of WOW – Women of the World Watch a powerhouse bill picked from a rich and growing list of UK jazz singer-songwriters.
9pm; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free
Sunday 12
WOW Pop-Ups: Sunday
Part of WOW – Women of the World Seize your last chance to discover free workshops and performances popping up at WOW festival.
From 10am; across the site; Free
If you’re aged 14 to 18 and curious about jobs in the literature industry, join us for a day of free workshops and Q&As.
12 noon; The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Thursday 23
Music of Today: Anna Clyne Curates II
Anna Clyne, the Philharmonia’s Featured Composer this season, curates a captivating free concert. Players from the Philharmonia Orchestra
Delyana Lazarova conductor
Nathalie Joachim Seen; Anna Clyne Overflow; Grace-Evangeline Mason The Water Garden (World premiere)
6pm; Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall; Free, but ticketed
Thursday 30
Philharmonia Chamber
Players: Bruckner
With its blissfully beautiful Adagio, Bruckner’s String Quintet delights - hear it in a free performance.
Benjamin Marquise Gilmore violin
Annabelle Meare violin
Yukiko Ogura viola
Sylvain Séailles viola
Richard Birchall cello
Bruckner String Quintet in F 6pm; Royal Festival Hall; Free, but ticketed
Upcoming highlights
Humans 2.0 by Circa
A symphony of acrobatics, sound and light: this is next-level circus by Circa. Humans 2.0 is intimate, primal and deeply engaged with the challenge of being human.
Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme. Can we ever find a perfect balance, or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?
The Making of the Orchestra
Performed by Aurora Orchestra, Mason Bates’ Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of the Orchestra is a joyful introduction to classical music for the whole family.
Sunday 16 April
The Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry
Hear performances from the shortlisted poets, before discovering this year’s winner of the prestigious Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry.
Thursday 6 April
Created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, this next chapter of Circa’s internationally acclaimed Humans is presented here in its London premiere.
Wednesday 12 – Sunday 16 April
Also coming soon
Mitsuko Uchida: Beethoven's Late Sonatas
Mitsuko Uchida, one of today’s best-loved Beethovenians, performs the mighty trilogy that was Beethoven’s last word on the piano sonata.
Wednesday 5 April
DakhaBrakha
The music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine, makes a world of unexpected new music with its uncompromising vocal range and self-proclaimed ‘ethno-chaos’.
Thursday 20 April
Max Porter: Shy
The author of Grief Is the Thing with Feathers leads a world-exclusive dramatic reading of scenes from his new novel, Shy, with a cast including Ruth Wilson.
Sunday 2 April
Andi Oliver and The Pepperpot
Diaries
‘The ingredients we use in Caribbean cookery tell a story –and it's a huge swirling tale…’, says Andi Oliver, introducing her longawaited first cookbook.
Thursday 27 April
Eat & explore
Members’ Lounge
Being a Southbank Centre Member isn’t just about free entry to the Hayward Gallery and the first chance to book all the biggest tickets, it’s also your key to a sanctuary in the heart of London: our Members’ Lounge.
Up on Level 6 of the Royal Festival Hall – with dazzling views of London’s skyline – our space just for Members is scattered with comfy chairs and served by a dedicated WiFi connection, with bars close at hand.
The food and drink menu includes tantalising options like English sparkling wine, cheese platters and charcuterie, only available in the Members’ Lounge. And every evening there’s a happy hour, pouring out wine and cocktails for a fiver.
So now you know. On the hunt for your own slice of the Southbank Centre? It’s just a Membership card away. Mon & Tue, 10am – 6pm (or until end of show); Wed – Sun, 10am – 11pm southbankcentre.co.uk/join
Southbank Centre Food Market
March is always an exciting first step toward suncharged moments spent outside. Adding to that feeling, our Southbank Centre Food Market is back again on a weekly basis after its winter break.
Head to the Waterloo side of our site on a Friday,
Crêpes à la carte
Looking to venture beyond the classic sugar and lemon? Great news: the crêpe knows no such bounds. Crêpes à la carte embraces both sides of the sweet/savoury spectrum. Try La complète, a gorgeous bite of Emmental cheese, ham and egg.
Saturday or Sunday for street food galore. Unsure what’s in store? Here’s an intro to three favourites. Grab a fork, chopsticks or just your hands, and dig in. Fri, 12 noon – 8pm; Sat, 11am – 8pm; Sun, 12 noon – 6pm
Levant Kitchen
First decision: a wrap or a box? Choose your vessel for a journey to the Levant, then fill it to the brim with rainbow salads and neon pickles, crunchable falafels and munchable shawarma, toothsome halloumi and off-thechain baba ghanoush.
The Polish Deli
The hot dog’s appeal lies in its simplicity. The intoxicating smell of the grill, a strong bun and a sensational sausage – job’s a good’un. The Polish Deli’s combo is simply delicious – or try roast baby potatoes and pickles on the side for a different take.
About us
We’re the largest arts centre in the UK and one of the nation's top visitor attractions, showcasing the world’s most exciting artists at our venues in the heart of London. We’re here to present great cultural experiences that bring people together, and open up the arts to everyone.
The Southbank Centre is made up of the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery, National Poetry Library and Arts Council Collection. We're also one of London’s favourite meeting spots, with lots of free events and places to relax, eat and shop next to the Thames.
We hope that you enjoy your visit – and if you need any information or help, please ask a member of staff.
While you're here
Eating, drinking and shopping? Take in the views over food and drinks at the Riverside Terrace Cafe, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, and visit our shops for products inspired by our great cultural experiences, iconic buildings and central London location. And around our site you can find more to explore, with Beany Green, Côte Brasserie, Foyles, Giraffe, Honest Burger, La Gamba, Las Iguanas, Le Pain Quotidien, Ping Pong, Pret, Strada, Skylon, Topolski, wagamama and Wahaca.
Southbank Centre Food Market
With a huge choice of street food and drinks from around the globe, the Southbank Centre Food Market is a must-visit. Fri, 12 noon – 9pm; Sat, 11am – 9pm; Sun & bank holiday Mon, 12 noon – 6pm; Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road
Access
The Southbank Centre is accessible to all and level access is available to all of our venues. For further information and details of accessible events, see our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/access
For an audio version of this publication, visit soundcloud.com/southbankcentreaudio
Membership
Become a Member and get the first chance to book for go-downin-history gigs, sublime symphonies and blockbuster literature events. Members also get a discount on selected retailers and restaurants; check our website for more details. southbankcentre.co.uk/membership
Supporters Circles
Enjoy all the benefits of Membership as well as getting closer to the artists with invitations to rehearsals, openings and more. southbankcentre.co.uk/join
Name a seat
Starting from £100, dedicate a seat in one of our concert halls to your favourite person. southbankcentre.co.uk/nameaseat
Getting here
By train
The nearest stations are: Waterloo Waterloo East Charing Cross Blackfriars
By tube
Waterloo (200 metres) Embankment (600 metres)
By bus
Routes 1, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, N1, N68, N171, N343 and X68 stop on Waterloo Bridge (a two-minute walk away)
Routes 76, 77, 211, 381, 507 and N381 stop on York Road (a five-minute walk away)
How to book tickets
By phone
020 3879 9555*
For information about concessions, see southbankcentre.co.uk
*Booking fees apply online (£3.50) and over the phone (£4). There are no booking fees for in-person bookings, Southbank Centre Members, Supporters Circles and Patrons. Booking fees for Hayward Gallery exhibition tickets: £3 online, £3.50 over the phone.
Stay in the know
Sign up to our email updates and be the first to hear about new events, offers and competitions. Just head to our website and hit subscribe.
credits On the cover: Burgerz by Travis Alabanza © Elise Rose
Inside cover: Roxane Gay © Reginald Cunningham
This month's highlights: Mike Nelson, Gang of Seven, 2013. Installation view, The Powerplant, Toronto, 2014. Photo: Toni Hafkenscheid. Courtesy the artist and 303 Gallery, New York; Galleria Franco Noero, Turin; Matt’s Gallery, London; and neugerriemschneider, Berlin; Inside Beethoven at Printworks © Nick Rutter; Rug Rhymes © Pete Woodhead; Travis Alabanza © Elise Rose; Alice Sara Ott © Jonas Becker, Wiesbaden; Bassem Youssef © Courtesy of Live Nation
Header images: Literature & talks: The Big O with Oloni at WOW; Gigs: Suzanne Vega; Art & exhibitions: The Hop © Jyll Bradley, photo by Thierry Bal; Classical music: Bombay Jayashri; Performance & comedy: Off Air with Jane & Fi © Image courtesy of WOW; Family: The Little Match Girl Strikes Back © Image courtesy of WOW; Free events: UK Jazz Plus Sessions: Live at WOW, Martha D Lewis
Upcoming highlights: Humans 2.0 by Circa © Yaya Stempler; Mitsuko Uchida © Decca / Justin Pumfrey; Max Porter © Francesca Jones; The Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry © Out-Spoken; DakhaBrakha © Vitaliy Vorobyov; Andi Oliver © Tom Mattey
Eat & explore: Members’ Lounge © India Roper-Evans; Southbank Centre Food Market © Jake Davis; Crêpes à la carte © Pete Woodhead; Levant Kitchen © Pete
Woodhead; The Polish Deli © India Roper-Evans
Scan the QR code to see our full event listings. To
accesslist@southbankcentre.co.uk
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