The London Festival of Chamber Music (LFCM) launches its inaugural programme in March 2026, bringing together the finest international artists for a five-day musical feast.
In a city packed with music-making, LFCM offers something different. The artists brought together by LFCM Artistic Director Alessio Bax are regulars on concert stages in London and around the world, and his vision is to allow them to
“reveal themselves in a new light: as a close-knit family of like-minded musicians who live and breathe the music together, rehearsing, exchanging ideas, experiencing London, and shaping programs that exist nowhere else.”
Across six concerts, we’ll hear them perform the music closest to their hearts, both beloved repertoire and undiscovered gems. We’ll encounter them ‘in residence’ in Smith Square Hall, living and working together in a way that is unusual given London’s frenetic pace. We’ll witness them workshopping ideas with young musicians. And, alongside their chamber performances, we’ll hear them in a range of orchestral repertoire, stepping onto the podium as conductors and soloists to show a different side to their musical personalities in partnership with the new generation musicians of Sinfonia Smith Square.
Smith Square Hall – recently described by The Times as “London’s finest concert hall” – is the home of LFCM. A space rich with musical history and superb acoustics, its flexibility will allow performances to take place in multiple configurations.
All performances take place at Smith Square Hall (formerly St John’s Smith Square), an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece and world-renowned concert hall in the heart of Westminster. It is a fully indoor venue, known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics. The venue is accessible to the public and located within easy walking distance of central London landmarks.
By train: The nearest major railway stations are London Victoria, Waterloo, Charing Cross, and Vauxhall.
By underground: Closest stations are Westminster (Jubilee/District/Circle), St James’s Park (District/Circle) and Pimlico (Victoria)
By bus: Routes 3, 87 to Millbank (Lambeth Bridge), C10 to Horseferry Road (Lambeth Bridge), 88 to Marsham Street, 11, 211, 148 and 24 to Westminster Abbey
By bike: A Santander Cycle docking station is located in Smith Square and there are also stations on Horseferry Road, Page Street and Great College Street.
By air: From Heathrow Airport, take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park and transfer to Westminster. From Gatwick Airport, take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station.
By car: Parking is limited in central London; public transport is strongly recommended. There are more details on the Transport for London website.
There is no formal dress code so please wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. London weather in March can be chilly, so we recommend wearing warm layers and bringing an umbrella for the unpredictable UK weather.
Smith Square Hall has its own restaurant, The Footstool Café and Bar, offering drinks and pre-concert meals. More information on food and drinks is available on Sinfonia Smith Square's website.
In central London, where the festival will be taking place, a wide range of accommodation is available, including hotels, serviced apartments, and short-term rentals.
Many of London’s iconic landmarks can be found within walking distance of Smith Square Hall, including:
- Westminster Abbey
- Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
- Tate Britain Art Gallery
- The River Thames
- Buckingham Palace (a short walk away)
The area is rich in history, architecture, and culture, offering excellent opportunities for sightseeing before or after concerts.
