Stressful day at work?
Whether you know your Baroque from your Beethoven or just looking for something different to do after work, unwind with some soothing classical music courtesy of Southbank Sinfonia and their rush hour concerts.
Taking place on selected Thursdays throughout the summer, these free concerts in London are a great introduction to classical music, not to mention a great way to miss the hectic rush hour commute home after work.
Performances begin at 6pm and finish at 7pm and take place in the rather grand setting of St.John’s Waterloo Church.
St John’s Waterloo Church
Beautiful setting isn’t it?
To have that many musicians playing in union is still pretty mind-blowing to me (my music teacher in high school called me musically challenged). I like watching orchestras because you can watch different sections play, not to mention the variety of instruments on show. Some of which I’ve never seen before like the bassoon. I also enjoy listening to the complex layering of each piece.
The performances are themed around styles and eras. Tonight’s was centred around Baroque which included renditions of Overture ‘Giustino’ (Handel), Les Caracteres de la Danse (Rebel), Concerto in G major for two flutes and bassoon (Telemann) and Orchestral Suite No.3 (Bach).
Although the concert is free (you are even welcomed with a complimentary glass of wine upon arrival) they do take donations at the end. Every little helps the charity and means they can continue playing free live concerts like these as well as developing the young musicians too.
Find out what they’re playing next by visiting their schedule. Rush Hour #12 on 11th June caught my eye; sampling from Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue album.
St John’s Waterloo Church is easily located across from the IMAX Cinema and the nearest tube station is Waterloo.
If you’re looking for another top free activity to do in London, check out my Walk Through British Art at Tate Britain.
