What city is better for classical events like concerts, ballet, performances, and more than London? It is known for having some of the most prominent classical concert halls, catering to every music taste with brilliant pieces of architecture. Every concert hall in London is not the same as you’ll have a unique experience in each of them.
These buildings can make even the most straightforward note sound so pristine and calming. In addition, you will find the perfect guide to plan your visit here.
Therefore, here is the list of the few leading concert halls in London.
1. Royal Festival Concert Hall
Located on the banks of the beautiful River Thames, the Royal Festival Hall is a concert venue in London.
This building can have a capacity of more than 2700 people. The hall was built in 1951 in celebration of the Festival Of Britain.
Now, it is the residence of the Philharmonic Orchestra, Chineke, the London Sinfonietta, the Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment Aurora, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
The hall also has a 440-seat Clore Ballroom. In addition, you’ll see several reception rooms, bars, restaurants and a beautiful view of the River Thames.
2. The Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House, in the Convent Garden of Central London, is one of the UK’s most significant and major performing arts venues.
Here, you can see a few resident groups like the Royal Opera, Ballet, and Orchestra.
This Opera house was built in 1728 and is one of the oldest halls in the world. Even after several restorations, the hall still has done a brilliant job preserving and displaying old elements.
In addition, the Paul Hamlyn Hall here is a significant attraction. However, it acts as an atrium with several public leisure areas like bars, restaurants and more.
There is also the Linbury Studio Theatre, the secondary performance space with a seating capacity of more than 400.
3. Queen Elizabeth Concert Hall
The Queen Elizabeth Hall, or the QEH, is a 900-seating capacity brutalist-style music venue on Belvedere Road, South Bank, London. Opened in 1967, Benjamin Britten conducted a concert on its inauguration.
A part of this hall is over 300-seater Purcell Room, which was built the same year. The two are a part of the Southbank Centre arts complex with the Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery.
It also has hosted big names like J.K. Rowling, Daniel Barenboim, Johnny Greenwood, and many more.
4. Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is a world-famous Grade II performance hall situated in the Barbican Estate in London, England. The gallery has a capacity of over 1,900 people.
The resident orchestra here is the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
However, that is not all. The Barbican Library at Barbican Centre is one of the five largest libraries in the City of London. It houses books dating back to even 300 years.
There is also a separate music library with two free pianos for public use. Other attractions include the Barbican Theatre, designed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Pit, Art Gallery, Barbican Film and more.
5. Wigmore Hall
It was initially inaugurated as the Bechstein Hall in 1901 and hosted concerts featuring Ferruccio Busoni, Eugene Ysaye, and many more.
But now, the venue can seat more than 500 people and most of the concerts held here are broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
The Wigmore Hall also publishes recordings of concerts held here by legendary artists on its record label called the Wigmore Hall Live.
6. Alexandra Palace
The Alexandra Palace, situated in the London Borough of Haringey, has been an entertainment and sports venue for over a century.
Many original monuments, like the actual studios and the Victorian theatre, still exist and are in use.
In addition, you can experience the fun of the Panorama Room, Ice Rink, Palm Court and more. It is also declared a Site Of Borough Importance for Environmental Conservation.
In addition, you can do many distinct activities here. From doing thrilling activities to exploring nature’s beauty, the palace has them all.
This place is also suitable for kids because it offers a unique play area and many tours. Planning a visit with your kids will open many options to them, and they’ll also learn some distinct things.
7. The Roundhouse
The hall now has a 3,300 standing and a 1,700 seated capacity. The Roundhouse has been the venue of BBC Electric Proms, iTunes Festivals, BT Digital Music Awards, the Vodafone Live Music Awards, and also a concert by Bob Dylan.
Apart from the events, this place also offers exciting job opportunities to people between 18 and 30 years old.
However, if you think the job offers here will be uninteresting, your assumption is false. You can get creative job offers here.
8. Rivoli Ballroom
Rivoli Ballroom has a seating capacity of 700 and is mainly used for filming and hosting dance and musical events.
The Avengers, Strictly Come Dancing, Tom Hardy’s Legend and the Muppets are some movies shot here.
The main highlights of the dance hall include the original 19th-century decor, Maple dance floor, glitter balls, flock wallpaper, chandeliers, and oversized Chinese lanterns.
9. Cadogan Concert Hall
Situated in Sloan Terrace, Chelsea, Cadogan Hall is a world-famous concert hall.
Located in the beautiful Royal Borough Of Kensington and Chelsea, this is the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s residence, the first London music ensemble to have a permanent home.
Here, you can witness various musical concerts. From classical to folks, you can experience them all. Furthermore, to explore music, you must visit this hall.
The management of this hall is also excellent as they are concerned about their audience.
They welcome physically disabled people with all love as you can get a special section for them. Apart from enjoying the concert, you can have flavorful food and beverages.
10. London Coliseum
It was established in 1904 and now is one of the largest and most luxurious concert halls. The seating capacity here is more than 2,359.
Over the years, the London Coliseum has gone through renovations numerous times. But one thing hasn’t changed: its reputation for being one of the finest music halls in the world.
This place has many offerings, and the floral business is one of them. However, you can order the flowers from here online, too.
The flower artistry here is mind-blowing, and it would be a unique experience if you visit here in person.
In addition, the theatre has an excellent set of collections. From the shop, you can purchase any of them if you like.
11. Kings Place
The Kings Place is a performing arts and musical concert venue situated in the Kings Cross area in London. The building was established in 2008 as a commercial development.
Now, along with being one of the major concert venues, there are also seven floors of office space, and it is also the editorial office of The Guardian.
The resident orchestra here is the Aurora Orchestra, and also the opera company OperaUpClose. In addition, by visiting this multi-art venue, you can also witness a few adventurous programmes.
Being an audience there, you’ll love the show. Therefore, check this place out, and it would be more fun with the company.
12. Purcell Room
Purcell Room is another performing arts and concert venue which forms a part of the Southbank Centre along with Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Even though the smallest of the three, this concert hall has been named one of the major central London cultural institutions and has a seating capacity of over 295.
Built in 1967, the same period as Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Purcell Room also shared many standard architectural features like Brutalist Architecture.
Along with being one of the significant centres for emerging talents, the hall has also hosted big names, including David Bowie, Daniel Barenboim, Marianne Faithfull, and Jonny Greenwood.
Conclusion
The concert halls of London hold a lot of entertainment and excitement. The concerts and programs in the halls will make your day beautiful.
There are many concert halls in London, and you can enjoy exciting programs like orchestra, dance, etc. Some concert halls have shops, and you can buy your favourite products from the shops as well.
FAQs
1. How Is a Concert Hall Different from an Auditorium?
Both are distinct and offer unique features, too. Concert Halls are made especially for music that needs longer repercussions so that the audience can be completely immersed in the music.
2. Which Seat Is the Best in Concert Halls?
Each seat has its charm and is highly dependent on individual preferences. However, the best and most expensive concert hall seats are right in the middle. You can feel the sound and view to be the best there. At the same time, the front and last rows can affect your sight or hearing.
Last Updated on November 8, 2023 by Apeksha Soni
