‘The Rest Is Noise views 20th-century music through the prism of history with its revolutions and counter-revolutions, its major moral and philosophical upheavals around race, gender, faith, political credo and pacifism – and its new relationship to technology and artistic democracy.’

Jude Kelly OBE,
Southbank Centre Artistic Director.

In 2007 Alex Ross wrote the seminal book The Rest Is Noise – listening to the Twentieth Century. Throughout 2013 we bring the book alive, with nearly 100 concerts, performances, films, talks and debates. We will take you on a chronological journey through the most important music of the 20th century to dramatise the massive political and social upheavals. The London Philharmonic Orchestra, with over 30 concerts, is the backbone of the festival that reveals the stories behind the rich, exhilarating and sometimes controversial compositions that have changed the way we listen forever.

Browse events

Southbank Centre’s The Rest Is Noise, inspired by Alex Ross’ book The Rest Is Noise

KEY MOMENTS IN THE FESTIVAL:

January:
THE BIG BANG
A new century, a new world

February:
Nationalism
Folk, roots and nostalgia

PARIS
Experiments, melting pots
and iconoclasm

March:
BERLIN IN THE '20s
Satire, cabaret and
emerging fascism

AMERICA
A new world discovers
its voice

May:
THE ART OF FEAR
The music of oppression

June:
END OF THE WAR
Elegy and heroism

September
– October:
POST-WAR WORLD
Britten, Darmstadt and
new beliefs

’60s WEEKEND
The West does revolution

November:
POLITICS & SPIRITUALITY
Music behind the iron curtain

HOLLYWOOD & NEW YORK
Sound, film and minimalism

December:
NEW WORLD ORDER
No more rules

Major Partner:

• London Philharmonic Orchestra

Festival partners to include:

• Philharmonia Orchestra
• London Sinfonietta
• Shell Classic International - Shell supports Southbank Centre in bringing the finest international orchestras to London
• International Chamber Music Season - In partnership with Intermusica
• International Piano Series - In partnership with HarrisonParrott
• BBC Concert Orchestra
• Royal College of Music
• Barbara Hannigan

A wide range of events and packages will be announced throughout 2012.