In the year that our flagship Unwrapped series took us to the diverse artistic landscape Scotland, the wider Kings Place programme also carried us across an ever broader range of genre, culture, collaborations and ideas. Here’s a look back at some highlights from members of the Kings Place team, and a look forward at their top recommendations for the new year.
Mark van de Wiel and the Brodsky Quartet play Mozart and Phibbs
‘I followed Brodsky from Southbank to Wigmore, then Kings Place. It’s in Hall One I found them most amazing. the world premieres of two new works by Joseph Phibbs (and one London premiere) in such an intimate hall was the major reason. Their Mozart was also sublime with Mark van de Wiel on clarinet.
Brodsky always gives intimate and moving performances, unlike other clinically perfect performers, helped by the immersive sonic environment that is so unique in Hall One. It’s like listening to friends playing music in a living room after dinner, breaking down the wall between performers and audience.’
Top pick for 2025: Terry Riley’s Sun Rings with Sacconi Quartet & Festival Voices | Thu 16 Jan
Edmond Lau, Finance Director
Jali Bakary Konteh for Future Folk
‘Jali Bakary Konteh’s gig was the most meditative performance ever. Alongside great childhood stories that connected his interest in Kora playing, he made sure to show us how to play it, too! I find it crucial to keep these antique instruments alive in the modern day, to experience real music and history in sound.’
Top pick for 2025: Deep listening with Daniel Pioro | Sun 15 Jun
Samira Pereira, Marketing & Development Coordinator
LVRA
‘LVRA’s in-the-round performance was truly unforgettable. The way LVRA blended industrial beats, hyperpop melodies, and experimental sounds was electrifying, but what really stood out was how the d&b audiotechnik Soundscape system made me feel like I was completely immersed in the music. It felt less like I was at a concert and more like I was part of the performance itself—it was such a powerful and unique experience.’
Top pick for 2025: The House of Bedlam: To Valerie Solanas and Marilyn Monroe | Fri 7 Nov
Krisztian Vass, Head of Technical
© Monika S. Jakubowska
Black Voices with special guest Mica Paris MBE
‘This was an incredibly joyous celebration of black voices and amazing talent on stage. I hadn’t seen Mica Paris perform before and I’ll most certainly be keeping an eye out for her future performances from now on.’
© Monika S. Jakubowska
Nu Civilisation Orchestra presents Duke Ellington’s New Orleans Suite
‘I had the pleasure to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras earlier this year and watching this performance was like being thrust back to the parades! This was such a lively and fun show to watch.’
Top pick for 2025: The Empire Film Podcast 650th Episode Live! | Fri 10 Jan
Charlotte Cole, Head of Development
Leonard Bernstein: Some Other Time
‘A highlight for me was the Leonard Bernstein: Some Other Time event as part of this year’s Book Week programme. I’ve always loved singing Bernstein’s music, so it was fascinating to hear more about his life and work – and incredibly cool to then hear some of his songs performed by Julian Ovenden, one of my favourite musical theatre vocalists.’
Top pick for 2025: Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra with Joanna MacGregor: The Madness/Lightness of Being | Fri 21 Feb
Lexi Clare, Visitor Services Manager – Box Office
If I Speak at London Podcast Festival
‘With this podcast, Moya Lothian-McLean and Ash Sarkar always create an intelligent, open space between themselves to chat through difficult political and personal topics, but their first full live episode was such an extra special thing to be part of. The warmth I felt in a sold-out Hall One – all sharing advice, experiences and laughter so generously – made me genuinely wish we could host this as a weekly Sunday service!’
Top pick for 2025: Queer Folk | Thu 27 Feb
Anna Perry, Marketing & Communications Assistant