Photo: © Guy Raybould
St John’s Smith Square
Designed by the architect Thomas Archer and built in 1728 as a church, St John’s Smith Square, which has survived fire, lightning, bomb plots and the Blitz, is one of the finest surviving examples of English Baroque architecture.
The building’s beauty is matched by an exceptional acoustic, and St John’s has presented some of the finest classical talent since it was restored as a concert venue in the late 1960s. It is in the heart of Westminster, a short walk from Parliament Square.
Photo: © Sim Canetty-Clarke
Cadogan Hall
Set in the heart of Chelsea, Cadogan Hall is one of London’s leading venues. Its 950 seats, excellent acoustic and luxurious surroundings make it the first choice for some of the UK’s top orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which is resident at the Hall.
As well as being a favoured London destination for international touring orchestras, Cadogan Hall presents some of the finest choral ensembles from the UK and around the world, in addition to contemporary, jazz, folk and world-music events.
Photo: © Guy Raybould
Queen Elizabeth Hall
The Southbank Centre, which covers 11 acres on the south bank of the River Thames, is one of the most popular cultural destinations in the UK. Created in 1951 for the Festival of Britain, the venue presents performances by thousands of musicians and artists each year.
The Queen Elizabeth Hall, which opened in 1967, is the second largest venue at the Southbank Centre. In addition to classical music, it stages dance, performance, gigs and talks, regularly hosting both well-known performers and emerging artists.
Photo: © Guy Raybould
Fairfield Halls
Following a multi-million-pound redevelopment, Fairfield Halls, which opened in 1962 and has a long history of presenting internationally renowned classical and rock musicians, lies at the heart of Croydon’s cultural and education quarter.
The largest arts centre in south London, it comprises a concert hall, a theatre, studio spaces, rehearsal rooms, restaurants and bars. The venue hosts a wide range of events, including music, drama, comedy and community shows.