Musicians have performed classical concerts in London for centuries. The city attracts some of the world’s best classical music talent who perform at the likes of Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Wilton’s Music Hall, Royal Opera House, Southbank Centre and Barbican.
How can you listen to classical music in London?
The London classical music scene continues to blossom throughout the year, with an array of classical music festivals, events and free evensong concerts. Classical music can usually be found at concerts inside venues across the city, from iconic landmarks to intimate music halls.
Discover the beautiful sounds of live orchestras at some of the top venues in London to listen to classical music.
1. Cadogan Hall
Attend classical concerts in London at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea. Cadogan Hall has its own resident orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and puts on performances of jazz, folk and world music.
2. St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden
Nicknamed “the actors' church”, St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden puts on events including classical music nearly every day of the year. The fun continues outside the church’s courtyard walls, as this space in the Covent Garden piazza is popular with buskers, who are quickly encircled by crowds.
3. Wigmore Hall
Settle into the red velvet seats at Wigmore Hall for a classical music concert. The venue's specialty is chamber and instrumental music, and you can listen to live performances of a range of styles from 15th-century Renaissance masterpieces to modern jazz.
4. Barbican Centre
Made up of a concert hall and multiple theatres, cinemas and art galleries, the Barbican Centre is a hub for the arts in the City of London. This sprawling arts centre is the base of the London Symphony Orchestra and has a packed calendar of classical music, dance, theatre and more.
5. Royal Albert Hall
Enjoy the acoustics at the Royal Albert Hall, one of London’s most beloved music venues. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall puts on a wide-ranging calendar of live performances, such as classical concerts, rock gigs, opera, ballet and film showings with live orchestras.
6. St-Martin-in-the-Fields
Catch live music performances in the gorgeous Georgian St Martin-in-the-Fields. This church often puts on concerts by candlelight and also offers free live music during the summer in its courtyard.
7. Wilton's Music Hall
Appreciate the faded grandeur of Wilton’s Music Hall, the world’s oldest and only surviving music hall of its kind. The London concert hall has a packed schedule of more than 300 performances and 80 productions a year, which include classical music, theatre, opera and dance.
8. St James’s Church, Piccadilly
Steps from Piccadilly Circus is the tranquil St James’s Church, which has a regular programme of classical music. Enjoy events such as classical pieces performed by candlelight and lunchtime organ concerts.
9. Royal Academy of Music
Enjoy the amazing classical concerts London has to offer at the Royal Academy of Music near Baker Street. Here you’ll find live performances of up-and-coming classical music stars during its free lunchtime recitals. This world-famous institution educates hundreds of students in more than 20 musical fields.
10. BBC Proms
A highlight of London’s classical music calendar is the BBC Proms, a series of concerts throughout the summer months with tickets from as little as £8.50. This festival culminates in the popular Last Night of the Proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and it’s also screened live in Hyde Park.
11. Southbank Centre
Savour the sounds of Southbank Centre, one of the biggest cultural centres in the city. Discover the range of classical music in London with Southbank Centre’s classical music programme, which includes traditional and contemporary performances from a diverse array of musical genres. Boasting 370 seats, it’s home to four resident orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
12. Yamaha Music
Drop in to Yamaha Music, the company’s only flagship store outside of Japan, for a session of live music in its intimate Piano Hall or in the basement while being surrounded by instruments of all sorts.
Explore the city's music scene with the guide to London's musical heritage, or find out how to save money with cheap concert and gig tickets in London.
