About

The Classical Series is back at Portsmouth Guildhall, with a full and exciting series of shows that feature orchestral, symphonic, chamber and solo music by some of the best performers around.

With everything from popular works by acclaimed composers, to reinterpreting rock and pop plus orchestra and film, The Classical Series is a heady mix of classical and contemporary - all mixed with a heavy dose of innovation.

There is much to choose from, whether you're a seasoned classicalist, enjoy the music of the big screen, or are completely new to the thrilling world of classical music!

Exciting seasons of work from the resident Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Portsmouth Chamber Music (presented by Music in the Round) will be accompanied on the line up this year by incredible concerts from The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, The International Film Orchestra (with the music of James Bond), The Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines, The Milton Glee Choir Christmas Concert, and festive favourites The Holiday and Love Actually presented in concert with full orchestras playing the score live-to-film.

A highlight of the programme will be The Brandenburg Concertos performed by Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment - a trailblazing orchestra renowned for playing music on instruments from the time that it was written. Hear an authentic replication of the concertos - known as one of music’s greatest riddles.

Portsmouth Chamber Music has been staged in the city for over 20 years. It will return with an exciting series of intimate concerts where audiences can enjoy the music just metres away from world-class musicians. Meanwhile, the eclectic Sounds of Now series will explores some of the most exciting ideas in music today.

For full details of The Classical Series 2024/25 and to book tickets see portsmouthguildhall.org.uk, and be sure to follow Portsmouth Guildhall on Facebook, Instagram and X.

The Classical Series 2024/25:

Portsmouth Chamber Series – Fanfare! Trumpet Classics
28 April
Charismatic rising star trumpeter Aaron Akugbo performs uplifting tunes, ranging from the more familiar names of Vivaldi and Mahler to works by Price and Bozza.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – The Essence of Brahms
8 May
A cosmos of textures, tempos and moods, culminating in music of unsurpassed grandeur – cuts as close to the heart as music can.
Wagner – Lohengrin Prelude
Britten – Violin Concerto
Brahms – Symphony No.4

Portsmouth Chamber Series – New Impressions: Debussy & More 
19 May
Praised for their “immaculate precision and spirit” (The Strad), the Solem Quartet performs a programme of glittering works with Debussy’s sensual string quartet at its heart.