Category

Concerts in London

Classical, choral and live music concerts in concert halls and theatre venues.

21 shows listed.

About concerts in London

Concerts in London cover far more ground than a single genre. The same week can offer a full symphony orchestra at the Barbican or the Royal Festival Hall, a choral evening in a candlelit church, a chamber recital at Wigmore Hall, and a large-scale pop or rock night at one of the arena venues. The listings below pull together classical, choral and live-music events from our curated picks and live Ticketmaster data, so the famous halls sit next to one-off gigs and seasonal programmes.

Acoustics and sightlines vary far more in a concert hall than in a typical theatre, and where you sit genuinely changes the experience. For orchestral and choral programmes, central seats a few rows back usually give the best balance of sound; choir seats behind the orchestra are cheaper and offer an unusual view of the conductor. For amplified shows the room matters less, but arena floors and stalls sell out first. Many classical promoters also offer standby and student rates close to the date.

Each listing carries the venue, the date where it is confirmed, and the official booking link so you buy directly from the hall or promoter. If you are building a wider trip around a concert, our things to do in London page suggests galleries, museums and pre-show dining within walking distance of the main venues.

Frequently asked questions

Where are London's main concert halls?

The principal classical venues are the Barbican Hall in the City, the Royal Festival Hall and its neighbours on the South Bank, Cadogan Hall in Chelsea and Wigmore Hall near Oxford Circus for chamber music. The Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington hosts everything from the BBC Proms to pop and rock. Each concert page names the exact venue and address.

Do I need to dress up for a classical concert?

No. London concert halls have no dress code and most of the audience is in everyday smart-casual clothing. You will not feel out of place in whatever you are comfortable in, although the opening night of a major series tends to be slightly dressier.

What is the best way to get cheap concert tickets?

Look for midweek performances, restricted-view or choir seats, and the standby and student rates that many classical promoters release shortly before the date. For amplified shows, buying directly from the venue or official promoter as soon as tickets go on sale avoids resale mark-ups.

How long do concerts usually run?

A typical orchestral concert lasts around two hours including a twenty-minute interval, while recitals and chamber programmes can be shorter. Amplified gigs vary widely depending on support acts. Where the running time is published it appears on the individual listing.