A full and exciting programme awaits!
Featuring the best of orchestral, symphonic, chamber and film music by some of the best around, The Classical Series returns to Portsmouth Guildhall for 2025/26 with an exciting programme that is guaranteed to give you goosebumps!
A heady mix of classical and contemporary, plus a dose of innovation, some of the most popular and powerful compositions are introduced alongside orchestral and film works by the finest musicians. There is much to choose from for seasoned classicalists, those who love the music of the big screen, or if you are completely new to the thrilling world of classical music.
Following the hugely successful open-air concerts this summer in Guildhall Square, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra return to open this year’s series, and indeed their own season, on 18th September with Energy Unleashed, a thrilling concert featuring the works of Mozart and Beethoven. The internationally renowned orchestra’s season programme also features the works of Chopin, Mahler and Tchaikovsky as well as a Classic FM Hall of Fame and the ever-popular Last Night of the Christmas Proms.
Portsmouth Chamber Series, presented in partnership with Music in the Round, offers a more intimate concert experience, as you sit just metres away from musicians as they perform spine-tingling pieces. Featuring some of world’s finest ensembles and quartets, these welcoming concerts are not to be missed.
BBC Friday Night is Music Night will join the city’s centenary celebrations in June next year with a special concert by the BBC Concert Orchestra that is full of favourite and classic tunes in a live recording for BBC Radio 3.
London Sinfonietta will also return to the city with a concert that brings to life the works of Japanese composer, Toru Takemitsu, in an evening of quiet beauty and reflection. One of the most important voices of the post-war era, Takemitsu’s work drew deep inspiration from nature.
In an evening of sea shanties, sing-a-longs and rousing military anthems, The Fisherman’s Friends join with The Band of HM Royal Marines and Royal Naval Association Choir in a special charity fundraising concert. The Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines will then return on 17th December with their annual Christmas Spectacular.
For an alternative festive treat, the film classics Love Actually and The Muppet Christmas Carol will be presented live in concert with a full orchestra playing the score live to film.
Of the 2025/26 Classical Series, Chief Executive Officer for The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays said, “As one of the south’s leading concert halls, our Classical Series is at the foundation of who we are and what we stand for. The series is populist, as well as challenging, and there really is something for everyone! We are particularly delighted in this series to welcome back London Sinfonietta and also host one of the city’s key centenary celebration events with the BBC Concert Orchestra and Friday Night is Music Night”.
The Classical Series 2025/26 – Book Now!:
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – Energy Unleashed
18th September 2025
A musical postcard of a trip, to a piano concerto built on a fully symphonic scale, culminating in one of the most thrilling endings in all music.
Portsmouth Chamber Series – Intimate Epics
6th October 2025
The crowning achievement among Beethoven’s late quartets is performed by prolific prize-winners and one of Europe’s leading young string quartets, the Fibonacci Quartet.
Fisherman’s Friends with The Band of HM Royal Marines & RNA Choir
22nd October 2025 – SOLD OUT
Enjoy an evening of sea shanties, sing-a-longs and rousing military anthems in this charity fundraising concert for the Royal Naval Association (RNA).
Portsmouth Chamber Series – Death & The Maiden
17th November 2025
“Stylish, open-minded and adventurous” (The Guardian), the Dudok Quartet has made its name as a playful, inventive interpreter of string quartet repertoire.
Love Actually in Concert – Film with Live Orchestra
29th November 2025
One of the most quotable and adored Christmas films around, is presented live in concert, with a full orchestra playing the score live-to-film.
Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert – Live to Film
7th December 2025
Disney’s classic holiday tale is presented in concert with a screening of the complete film and its musical score performed live by orchestra.
The Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines – A Christmas Spectacular
17th December 2025
An unforgettable evening of Christmas classics, traditional works and remarkable soloists.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – Last Night of the Christmas Proms
22nd December 2025
Dive head-first into festivities for a musical sleigh ride of orchestral classics, traditional numbers and a selection of Broadway and West End hits.
Portsmouth Chamber Series – The Lark Ascending
19th January 2026
English music for strings and clarinet, including a gorgeous string quartet arrangement of Vaughan Williams’ most popular work.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – Piano Pyrotechnics
22nd January 2026
A dance with flair and large orchestral gestures, a dazzling display of technical virtuosity and a stirring symphony dedicated to Queen Victoria.
The London Sinfonietta – Tōru Takemitsu: Between Sound and Silence
11th February 2026
One of the most important voices of the post-war era, Takemitsu drew deep inspiration from nature. London Sinfonietta brings Takemitsu’s world to life in an evening of quiet beauty and reflection.
Portsmouth Chamber Series – Quartet for Heart & Breath
23rd February 2026
Cassandra Miller’s modern masterpiece is a tender reflection on a late Beethoven quartet (Op.132); it features alongside works by John Tavener and Kate Whitley.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – Classic FM Hall of Fame
5th March 2026
Sun-drenched melodies and one of the most sublime pieces of music ever written, to a dazzling rhapsody and vibrant, colourful suite to the contrasting sweeping plains of central Asia.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – Mahler’s Fifth
19th March 2026
Haydn’s authentic second Cello Concerto is followed by Mahler’s symphony of a journey from death to life featuring extreme contrasts of joy and pain with electrifying effect.
Portsmouth Chamber Series – Sitar with Tabla and String Quintet
23rd March 2026
Spell-binding music by the multi-award-winning Jasdeep Singh Degun, interspersed with works by Stravinsky and Dvořák.
BBC Friday Night is Music Night
5th June 2026
Join the BBC Concert Orchestra for a special evening celebrating 100 Years of Portsmouth becoming a city! Enjoy orchestral favourites and unforgettable classical tunes in a live recording for BBC Radio 3.
Escape the everyday and join us on a voyage of discovery – we look forward to welcoming you!