Symphony Kūkai
Inspired by the eighth-century Buddhist monk Kūkai, this symphony spreads a message of hope and compassion, bringing together choirs from the UK and China.
Symphony Kūkai is written as both a tribute and meditation and shifts between moments of luminous stillness and surging grandeur.
At its heart lies the essence of Kūkai’s extraordinary journey: his perilous voyage to Tang China in pursuit of Buddhist teachings, his devotion to sharing that wisdom on his return, and the enduring message of harmony.
This symphony, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, transforms these timeless values into music – a language that transcends borders, resonating with audiences across the globe and blending Eastern and Western musical traditions, storytelling and spiritual resonance.
A unique international collaboration of striking scale, the performance unites leading musicians from London and Beijing in a work that speaks to the shared hopes of past, present, and future. In a world where conflict and division dominate the headlines, it offers a moment of shared reflection and hope.
This event is co-produced by Beijing Tianguzhiyin Culture Media Co Ltd and Sunny Wishes CIC.
Performers
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Takuo Yuasa conductor
Central Conservatory of Music Choir (China)
London Philharmonic Choir
Repertoire
Zou Ye: Kūkai Symphony for orchestra & chorus (performed in Mandarin with English surtitles)
Need to know
This performance is sung in Mandarin, with projected surtitles in English.
You can buy an exclusive box package for this event. More details of our Royal Festival Hall exclusive box package.
Royal Festival Hall at 6.15pm: pre-concert talk. Dharmakārunyā (Ursula Tidd), ordained in the Triratna Buddhist Order with a keen interest in Japanese Buddhism, brings the world of Master Kūkai to life. She explores his journey, teachings and legacy, offering insights that enrich our understanding of the symphony and the spiritual vision that inspired it. Admission free.
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.