Southbank Centre to welcome back live audiences in May

After over a year of closure to the public, Southbank Centre is reopening to the public in May 2021.

The centre reopens with the launch of Reunion – Summer at the Southbank, a four-month programme of events.

Key highlights will include Esa-Pekka Salonen’s final two concerts as the Philharmonia Orchestra’s principal conductor and artistic advisor, the London Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Jurowski; the Colin Currie Group with Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians; Anoushka Shankar who continues her role as associate artist; Aurora Orchestra with Nicola Benedetti; and Chineke! who launch the season.

Digital offerings will continue with In the Green Room, announced today - a 10-week series of in-depth conversations between Southbank Centre’s curators and programmers and the artists, friends and collaborators. These events will be streamed every Monday evening on YouTube from 12 April-14 June.

Additionally, Inside Out will continue to bring arts and culture to online audiences at home, reflecting the vital role that streamed arts activity has played throughout the pandemic to help combat social isolation and loneliness. The Southbank Centre will look to develop a long-term, hybrid multi-art programme to broaden its audience reach internationally.

Elaine Bedell, chief executive, Southbank Centre, said: 'It’s been a year since we closed the doors of our wonderful Southbank Centre and we cannot wait to throw them open again and to welcome back our incredible artists and performers and much-missed audiences.

'Our world class concert halls will be ringing with music and applause once again, there will be two extraordinary exhibitions to enjoy in the Hayward Gallery and our scenic river terraces will be humming with activity. There will be something for everyone. Come and reunite with us!'

southbankcentre.co.uk.