London Symphony Orchestra/Half Six Fix – Bruckner

The London Symphony Orchestra bring Bruckner's Ninth Symphony to Barbican Hall on Wednesday 21 October, as part of their Half Six Fix series. It's a shorter, accessible gateway concert that runs for about an hour, rather than a full evening of music, and it's introduced by the performers themselves. There are screens in the hall that bring you closer to the action, so you can see the orchestra at work while you listen.

The music is Anton Bruckner's Ninth Symphony, his final one, which he left unfinished when he died in 1896. Only three movements survive, and he dedicated the work to 'The Beloved God'. Critics describe it as contrasting epic walls of sound with moments of aching fragility, and it closes with a brooding Adagio. Bruckner's symphonies have earned the nickname 'cathedrals of sound', and this one is a good place to start if you've never heard him before.

LSO Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano presents and conducts the orchestra, offering commentary throughout the evening. The LSO's work with its Chief Conductor is supported by Alex & Elena Gerko and members of the Chief Conductor's Circle. Half Six Fix concerts are recommended for ages 12 and over.

It starts at 6.30pm and finishes at approximately 7.45pm, so you're out well before the night is over. Tickets are £36, £27, £18, and £15, with a £4 booking fee per online or phone transaction. Wildcard tickets are available for £12 or £15 plus the booking fee, and there's a Half Six Fix season pass for £99 plus the booking fee. The venue is Barbican Hall, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS.