Skip to main content
Stylised painting of a circus elephant resting on a double bass
View all events for category: Classical music

Carnival of the Animals

Animations and beloved music combine to tell a magical new story about humanity’s relationship with nature, with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

A graceful swan, a waltzing elephant, and a whole chorus-line of high-kicking fossils … when Saint-Saëns wrote The Carnival of the Animals, his tongue was very firmly in his cheek.

But beneath the humour, there’s a real wisdom and warmth to his ever-popular ‘grand zoological fantasy’, brought to life tonight with the help of Sandra Albukrek’s enchanting animations.

Lidiya Yankovskaya brings the same energy and imagination to Dvořák’s storm-swept symphony, plus an immersive piano concerto featuring live electronic sound and video – a brand-new showcase for the inimitable genius of genre-crossing pianist Tomoko Mukaiyama.

Performers

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Lidiya Yankovskaya conductor

Tomoko Mukaiyama piano

Bizjak Piano Duo

Repertoire

Dvořák: Symphony No.7

Ryan Carter: Piano Concerto (World premiere)

Interval

Saint-Saëns: The Carnival of the Animals with film animation by Sandra Albukrek

Need to know

Age guidance
For ages 7+. Under-12s must be accompanied by an adult on our site.
Event information

Tickets give you access to this event as well as After Dark: 200 Years of ZSL in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer at 9.30pm.

Reviews

‘A tour de force … Lidiya Yankovskaya brought forth brilliantly colored accompaniment from the orchestra, where the most exciting musical action takes place’Chicago Tribune

For your visit

This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre

The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.