Having earned a prominent place on the global stage of classical music, London continues to uphold its status as a center for musical inspiration and education. Every year, fans who have lent their ears to sonatas, overtures, and symphonies find themselves eagerly perusing programmes and returning to annual events like the long-running BBC Proms or the more recent Film Music Gala. And 2025 promises another year of world-class classical concerts in London.
The thriving classical music scene in the city is a testament to a history that dates back to the 17th century. This history includes leading British figures like Edward Elgar and Gustav Holst, who later established themselves on a global scale, as well as the formation of iconic institutions like the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. So whether you’re mad about Bernstein, love a bit of Mahler, or are making it your mission to attend more classical concerts in London, keep reading for a list of what’s to come.
Classical Music Highlights Over The Coming Months
Let’s not forget that classical concerts in London generally follow a seasonal structure, though performances take place year-round. It’s worth noting that not every event has been announced yet. Therefore, the following events are some of those already released, of particular interest, and with something a little extra special to offer.
1. Festen by Mark-Anthony Turnage
It might not be the best idea to watch this operatic adaptation of Thomas Vinterberg’s 1998 cult film Festen with your family, given its dark exploration of the inner workings of family life—but that’s your call! What’s certain is that the world premiere of Turnage’s new opera at the Royal Opera House is a date worth marking on your calendar. Witness the chaos and intensity of Danish avant-garde cinema translated onto the stage in a production that’s sure to stick with you long after the final curtain falls.
When: February 11 to February 27
Where: Royal Opera House
2. Marin Alsop conducts Bernstein and Piazzolla
On Valentine’s Day, enter the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre and prepare to travel to Havana, New York, Brazil, and Buenos Aires in just under an hour. Marin Alsop is conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra, performing alongside bandoneon player Ksenija Sidorova and two tango dance champions, Adrien Bariki-Alaoui and Iro Davlanti-Lo, for a concert that dips into Gershwin, Bernstein, Edu Lobo, and Piazzolla. Think Libertango meets West Side Story meets Pé de Vento. Find out more here.
When: February 14
Where: Southbank Centre
3. Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special
There’s a reason why people say “roses are red” and “life is like a box of chocolates”—they’re classics that everyone knows. But this Valentine’s Day, there are more options to choose from that trump a pricey nosegay or indulgent tray of truffles—like the Candlelight Valentine’s Day Special coming to Central Hall Westminster. Enjoy romantic songs such as Elton John’s “Your Song”, Edith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose”, and Lady Gaga’s “Shallow” in the classical form. With a string quartet, thousands of candles, and tender tracks, it’s an evening guaranteed to make your Valentine melt.
When: February 15
Where: Central Hall Westminster
4. Johan Dalene plays Tchaikovsky
This February, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s artist-in-residence, Johan Dalene, will perform for the second time at Cadogan Hall. Winner of the 2019 Carl Nielsen Competition, the young Swedish violinist has long been recognized as one to watch. Immerse yourself in a classical concert featuring Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Sibelius’ Nightride and Sunrise, and Nielsen’s Symphony No. 2, ‘The Four Temperaments’—a shining example of virtuosity, galloping rhythms, and musical insight into the melancholic, choleric, phlegmatic, and sanguine temperaments. Learn more here.
When: February 27
Where: Cadogan Hall
5. Film Music Gala — And the winner is…
Moviegoers won’t be able to resist this cinematic experience, returning to one of the city’s most iconic concert halls. Conducted by Stephen Bell, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra—joined by vocalist Louise Dearman and presenter Petroc Trelawny—presents another Film Music Gala, recreating music from some of the most beloved films and musicals. Whether the melodies transport you to a dangerous swim off Amity Island, an ill-fated love story aboard a White Star Line ship, or the joyous feeling that the hills are alive while singing in repurposed drapery, it’s a nostalgic event not to be missed.
Note: there will be a performance at 3pm and later at 7:30pm.
When: March 15
Where: Royal Albert Hall
6. Sunday Concerts at Conway Hall
Always worth noting, Conway Hall’s chamber music concert series has been running since the 1880s and remains a reliable source of high-quality classical concerts in London. Keep an eye on upcoming events throughout the year, as piano trios and quartets grace the historic stage. For example, the Berkeley Ensemble will close Conway Hall’s spring season on March 30 with a performance inspired by Lennox Berkeley’s Wind Quintet and more.
7. Symphonic Soul: A Celebration of Motown and More
All of the songs being performed at this soulful event at the Royal Albert Hall have one thing in common—they all bring infectious rhythms to the table. And there Ain’t No Mountain High Enough to keep lovers of Motown, R&B, soul, and funk from rediscovering those distinctive, upbeat, and emotional sounds as they’re performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and gifted vocalists. “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”, “Proud Mary”, and “Midnight Train to Georgia” are just some of the feel-good classics on the programme.
When: April 2
Where: Royal Albert Hall
8. Multitudes
Described as an “electrifying new arts festival, powered by orchestral music,” Multitudes was announced last autumn. Hosted at Southbank Centre, it unites world-class orchestras, poets, dancers, and more in a vibrant celebration of art and creativity. Highlights include the London Philharmonic Orchestra performing Mahler’s Eighth Symphony—dubbed the “Symphony of a Thousand”—on April 26, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 accompanied by a video installation on April 27.
When: April 23 to May 3
Where: Southbank Centre
9. Ministry of Sound Classical 2025
Once again, dance classics collide with orchestral arrangements in the highly anticipated Annual Classical at Royal Albert Hall. While music by the likes of Wagner and Puccini is undeniably breathtaking, there’s something truly thrilling about hearing big beat, house music elements, and electronica performed by a 50-piece orchestra.
The London Concert Orchestra, joined by spectacular vocalists, reimagines the best of the ’90s, featuring iconic names like Fatboy Slim and The Chemical Brothers. It’s a sensational fusion of talent, sound, and laser lights, making it an unmissable experience.
When: June 7
Where: Royal Albert Hall
10. Strauss’ Salome conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano
The London Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Conductor, Sir Antonio Pappano, has unveiled a 2025 program that promises to delight every classical music connoisseur. This ambitious season of classical concerts in London spans a diverse repertoire, featuring works by Walker, Bernstein, and Vaughan Williams, while also blending jazz, blues, and classical traditions. And the concert performance of Strauss’s Salome certainly stands out as a highlight that’s not to be missed. With soprano Asmik Grigorian, the dramatic, one-act opera is reimagined with a thrilling synergy of music and performance.
When: July 11 and July 13
Where: Barbican
11. Eternal Wonders
An emotional aria, an elegant piano concerto, and a three-movement symphony that transitions from serene to explosive—Eternal Wonders offers a colourful concert programme. Filling Holy Trinity Church’s Main Hall with the sweeping sounds of Mozart’s Aria “Ch’io mi scordi di te” K. 505, Piano Concerto No. 23, and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 82, the event brings together different eras and styles for an evening defined by themes that seem to reach operatic levels.
When: July 13
Where: Holy Trinity Church
12. The 2025 BBC Proms
Another eight weeks of classical concerts returns to the Royal Albert Hall this summer. The festival offers Prommers over 60 events to choose from, showcasing a season of world-class concerts. Established in 1895 as the Promenade Concerts, the series has grown into one of the most renowned classical music festivals in the world. Planning is essential—once the programme is released in April, you can start deciding which performances to attend. Ticket booking opens in May.
When: July 18 to September 13
Where: Royal Albert Hall
13. The Planets
Christopher Warren-Green, Music Director of the London Chamber Orchestra and Conductor Laureate of the Charlotte Symphony, will wave his baton at the Royal Albert Hall for an evening featuring music performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra and the City of London Choir. From Sergei Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 to Gustav Holst’s The Planets, this concert explores the astrological and mythological, with almost otherworldly notes filling the prestigious venue.
When: September 20
Where: Royal Albert Hall
14. Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Classical concerts in London are being taken to the next level with Best of Bridgerton on Strings—bringing Regency-era grace to the stage, to be exact. Londoners, along with viewers from around the world, were hooked on every line, the aesthetic of early 19th-century style and architecture, stirring gossip, and high-society drama during the past three seasons of Shondaland’s hit series on Netflix.
Candlelight is channeling the intrigue and vibrancy of the show with a concert inspired by its iconic soundtrack. As the concept of classical renditions of contemporary music continues to captivate audiences—whether attendees in Southwark Cathedral or fictional aristocrats at a ball—this candlelit performance is the perfect chance to feel like a member of the Bridgerton family and experience Miley Cyrus’ raw “Wrecking Ball” played on strings.
When: Selected dates
Where: Southwark Cathedral