Jean Rondeau: Sisyphus
The harpsichordist invites us to surrender our expectations in an unfolding journey of improvisation including works from Bach, Couperin and Ligeti.
This is a moment of surrender with expectations exchanged for the surprise of an onrushing musical present. In the absence of knowing, the unexpected arises.
This performance is designed to absorb the listener within a flexible, changeable and growing musical structure.
Rediscover the fluidity of a stroll that lets you go on exploring without stopping to take a view from higher ground, without needing to know what’s around the bend.
There’s a musical outpouring to be discovered at every turn, and that is precisely what makes it so beautiful.
Jean Rondeau invites you to let yourself be seized by this moment of uninterrupted music, combining works from the repertoire and improvisations in an exploration of the sound of the harpsichord, a new performance of music and dance.
Described as ‘one of the most natural performers one is likely to hear on a classical music stage’ by the Washington Post, Jean Rondeau is a global ambassador for his instrument. His outstanding talent and innovative approach to keyboard repertoire have been critically acclaimed, marking him out as one of today’s leading harpsichordists.
Performers
Jean Rondeau harpsichord
Silouane Colmet Daâge sound artist
Repertoire
Programme includes: Works by Bach, Couperin, Ligeti and improvisation
Need to know
Find out more about the music with our free programme.
View the programme
For your visit
This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre
The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Purcell Room is an auditorium located within our Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.