What's On / Bristol Concerts, Theatre & Dance / classical

Classical Concerts in Bristol

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Bristol's Classical Scene

Bristol has a long history of classical music, with new talent emerging year upon year thanks to students at Bristol University’s prestigious department of music. The largest classical music performances see complete orchestras performing at St George’s Hall where natural acoustics continue to wow audiences of over five hundred guests. Contemporary solo performances have found home in Colston Hall’s second room, The Lantern. St Stephen’s church and the Victoria Rooms in Clifton are also essential venues for classical music and orchestras in Bristol.

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Our recent classical recommendations

The feral freaks of Untamed Burlesque are making their stunning return to the stage with a stacked lineup of legendary sexy beasts of the burlesque scene. With 'Plymouth's Sexiest Vegan', 'Dr. Frankenstein of the Fringe' and 'The Queen of Nerdlesque' all on the books, it's gonna be wet, wild'n'weird! Untamed Burlesque at Zed Alley.

They destroy ten, we plant a thousand! Part of BPFF 2026, Bristol Palestine Museum screens documentary Land of Canaan, exploring the destruction of Palestinian livelihoods and cultural heritage through a defiant grassroots farmers’ movement to protect the West Bank’s olive oil industry. Meditative, moving and quietly incendiary. Land of Canaan at Bristol Palestine Museum.

Translation is a fine and mysterious art. An art of unearthing, tracing, mapping, scrying, weaving, layering. Welcome Translators' House Press as they make their first forays into indie publishing, launching two new gorgeous riso-printed poetry chapbooks as part of their EBB residency from two linguistic sorcerers of the highest pedigree. Translators' House Press Launch Event: Angus Allman & Grace Calk at East Bristol Books.

You don't know how to dabke?! Don't panic, Marya Malas will lead you in this welcoming crash course in the gorgeous, buoyant Palestinian dance (w/ social and snacks too), so you can school your nan at your cousin's upcoming wedding. Dabke Dance Workshop & Social at The Jam Jar.

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What our editors say

“Two Principal dancers from The Scottish Ballet will be performing some spectacular classical repertoire. Philip Glass' Mad Rush will be played live by Royal College of Music trained pianist and notorious Drag Queen, Barbs. Students from The Rambert School will present some of their choreographic work. Josh & Roseanna will do a little turn!”
From: 15 Years Young _ A Celebratory Gala

“Discover your inner Corpse Bride, Rothbart, Myrthe, and Black Swan in a class where the most gothic classical ballets meet Halloween. Set against a playlist where Tchaikovsky, Adam and Chopin showdown with MJ, Hammer, Electric Six, Nina Simone and more this class will have you gleefully dance yourself to death!”
From: Halloween Special Ballet to Not Necessarily Ballet Music Class

“*The Book of Advice*, an experiment in self-translation, stems from the andarznameh tradition of classical Persian literature, a form that moves between verse and prose as it engages invented or familiar sayings and folktales. Originally written in Persian between 2018-2020, the book now speaks in both English and Persian, opening at once from the back and the front, in a voice both distanced and familiar. The vicissitudes of the everyday preoccupy its intimately impersonal speaker as she wrestles with the inadequacy and mobility of language.”
From: Eve Esfandiari-Denney: *Girling* & Ghazal Mosadeq: *The Book of Advice*

“This month, the exhibition is accompanied by live music from two Bristol-based artists. Pablo Jimenez-Moreno explores sound, space, and texture through classical fingerstyle guitar and minimalist composition, creating immersive soundscapes using intricate techniques, subtle dynamics, and layered acoustic textures. Shaved blends found sound and homemade instruments to create a laid-back ambient atmosphere.”
From: Pop-Up Art Exhibition

“Dj Devolicious fuses cross-generational rhythms, rich lyrics and irresistible bass. With roots in Ghanaian hi-life, church and classical music, and a passion for soul and electro, Devolicious delivers electric mixes that take listeners on a journey of dance music delights. ”
From: After Hours: Dance Out Special