London Sinfonietta launches programme for newcomers to classical music

Contemporary chamber orchestra, London Sinfonietta has launched a hybrid programme, Couch to Concert. Modelled on the NHS and BBC’s joint Couch to 5k program, Couch to Concert aims to introduce first-time listeners to the classical music genre through a series of podcasts, playlists and resources which guide them towards their first contemporary classical concert. 

Hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Cerys Matthews and music journalist Paul Morley, the podcast’s first and second episodes are out now on Spotify. These episodes explain the context of the repertoire, describe what listeners should listen out for and explain what makes each piece so ground-breaking.

Listeners will then receive a free ticket to a London Sinfonietta concert, where they can hear the music they’ve learned about come to life. The Couch to Concert programme will be repeated four times over the next two concert seasons, with each iteration exploring different repertoire and culminating in a live concert.

London Sinfonietta's first Couch to Concert concert, 'Turning Points', took place last week (18 May 2022) at Kings Place. ©Orlando Gili

Founded in 1968, London Sinfonietta is a resident orchestra at London’s Southbank Centre and an artistic associate orchestra at Kings Place, as well as touring across the UK and worldwide. The Couch to Concert initiative continues the ensemble’s tradition of championing new music, with over 450 pieces commissioned since the ensemble's formation.

You can find out more about the Couch to Concert initiative here.

You can find out more about the London Sinfonietta here.