Chamber Music in London
Our guide to the best venues for Chamber Music in London. From beautiful performance spaces to renowned international artists, London is known for its high-quality classical music concerts. Here’s our pick of the best places to hear chamber music, perhaps the most intimate sub-genre of this art form.
Wigmore Hall
The Wigmore Hall is the most popular venue for chamber music in London, and hosts internationally acclaimed artists in lunchtime and evening performances. Great artists, past and present, have performed in this beautiful concert hall that seats almost 550 people, from Arthur Rubinstein to Benjamin Britten. With an intimate atmosphere and fabulous acoustics, tickets tend to sell out for high profile artists well in advance. Concerts for emerging new talent are also scheduled throughout the year, and tend to have greater availability. An excellent on-site restaurant serves local dishes at both lunchtime and dinner, and there’s also a bar for pre and post-concert drinks.
- The Chamber Music season takes place on evenings throughout the year
- The lunchtime concert series is broadcast on BBC Radio 3, and tickets are less expensive
- There’s a Sunday morning coffee concert series, with a recital followed by a cup of coffee or glass of sherry
- A special scheme allows under 35’s to attend selected concerts at a highly reduced price
- Other concerts at the Wigmore Hal include jazz, contemporary music, solo piano, early music and vocal recitals.
Located in Marylebone, the hall is a 10 minute walk from Oxford Circus and Bond Street Station.
Kings Place
Kings Place is an arts venue that puts on a diverse range of concerts and shows ranging from classical to pop and contemporary. Its chamber music season includes many of the UK’s top musicians, along with fine artists from abroad. The London Chamber Music Programme takes place every Sunday from October to May, and includes string quartets, piano trios, and a variety of other ensembles. Located just a few minutes walk from Kings Cross Station, it’s ease of access makes Kings Place a perfect location to attend a great concert in London.
St John’s Smith Square
Housed in a historic grade I listed building, St John’s Smith Square is a unique music venue located in the heart of Central London, not far from the Houses of Parliament. A church turned concert space, its magnificent hall boasts excellent acoustics making it the perfect location for chamber music concerts. Throughout the year St John’s hosts a diverse range of ensembles, with both lunchtime and evening performances.
Southbank Centre
Chamber music takes place at three different venues in the Southbank Centre, located on the southern side of the River Thames. At the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elisabeth’s Hall and Purcell Room. The 9-concert International Chamber Music Series brings some together some of the top ensembles from around the world including the Jerusalem Quartet and Nash Ensemble.
Barbican Centre
BBC Radio 3 broadcast live lunchtime concerts on selected Friday’s throughout the year. The series sees performances by both established and emerging artists.
