Symphony in the Park

London has many monuments, iconic buildings and places that cement the capital as a city where talents thrive, scenes are formed and moments captured.

Throughout London’s history, institutions have emerged whether they be politicial, cultural or sporting. Ask someone who lives outside the reaches of zone six what London means and they’ll reel off Big Ben, Lords, the London Eye and Wembley Stadium.

Another of London’s treasured buildings reaches a significant anniversary this year, a place that is at the very heart of London’s musical history. Abbey Road Studios celebrates its 80th birthday and a concert is on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend to recreate the music, both classical and popular, that has been recorded at the venue.

It also provides the chance to see another of London’s institutions, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, play the likes of Elbow, Pink Floyd and Oasis on Saturday before returning to arrangements that are more in keeping with their regular scores the following day. The music to films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Braveheart and The English Patient was also recorded at the studios and those attending can expect to hear excerpts from each of these on Sunday.

With the summer (or more precisely given recent weather) coming to a close, the two concerts at Chiswick House represent a final chance to sit out with a picnic and enjoy live music. Those attending the concerts are welcome to bring a picnic and drinks.

The history of Abbey Road Studios is phenomenal and such is its place within British culture that the buildings were recently given Grade II-listed status in the face of threatened closure. The two concerts provide those going with the chance to hear some of the finest music of the twentieth century in a wonderful environment. Such is the quality on show that even those taxi drivers who complain about the tourists recreating the cover of the Beatles Abbey Road will have to put aside their reservations for a couple of nights.

American Express Symphony at the Park
Chiswick House
Acton
W4 2RP