Ocean in Concert
A full symphony orchestra brings David Attenborough’s latest film to life, performing the music live and perfectly synchronised with stunning imagery on screen.
Ocean in Concert takes viewers on a breath-taking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder or surprise, than the ocean.
In this cinematic concert event, Attenborough’s narration guides audiences through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean. The visuals are set against Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price’s (Gravity) powerful and evocative score, performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Robert Ziegler.
The celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery, and shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing.
Immersive cinematography showcases the extraordinary beauty of life beneath the waves, while also confronting the urgent realities and challenges facing our seas, from destructive fishing practices to mass coral bleaching, revealed in never-before-seen footage.
Yet ultimately, this is a story of hope and optimism, with Attenborough sharing inspiring examples from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen.
Ocean in Concert is presented by esk in collaboration with Silverback Films, Open Planet Studios, All3 Media, Altitude Films, National Geographic and Steven Price.
Performers
CIty of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Robert Ziegler conductor
Repertoire
Film screening: Ocean with David Attenborough - with live orchestra
Need to know
Reviews
‘Sir David’s authority is matched only by nature’s grandeur in this visually stunning film … absorbing and compelling.’
The Guardian
‘Age has done little to quell the naturalist’s intellectual curiosity and wonder.’
Irish Times
For your visit
This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre
The Royal Festival Hall is open six days a week.
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.
Plan your visit
The Royal Festival Hall is home to our largest auditorium as well as The Clore Ballroom, National Poetry Library, Members’ Lounge, Festival Bar & Kitchen, Ballroom Cafe and Skylon restaurant.
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
On Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace. You can grab a coffee and a slice of freshly made cake from our Ballroom Cafe. Or alternatively enjoy destination dining in the restaurant at Skylon.
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.