Mike Oldfield’s iconic Tubular Bells will be performed live at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London this summer.
The classic instrumental album will be performed in its entirety as part of a season of unique performances that coincide with the celebration of the masterpiece’s 50th anniversary in 2023.
Taking place August 7th through 15th, Tubular Bells – Live In Concert, will feature musical direction from Oldfield’s long-time collaborator Robin A. Smith, with the album performed by an expansive live group.
Smith has collaborated with Oldfield for three decades, including the iconic performances of Tubular Bells at Edinburgh Castle in 1992, and at the 2012 London Olympic Opening Ceremony.
During the fully seated performance, the music will be brought to life with a visual interpretation by the world-renowned Circa Contemporary Circus, who, led by Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz, have previously animated works by some of the most well-known composers in history.
A bold new scenic design will be created for the production by William Reynolds.
Reflecting on the special season at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, Oldfield says: “It’s amazing to think that it’s 50 years since I started writing Tubular Bells, and I am touched that my music has reached so many people, all over the world, during that time.
“I have worked with Robin A Smith for almost 30 years, since we presented Tubular Bells together at Edinburgh Castle, through lots of different performances and recordings culminating in the London Olympics in 2012.
“When I started thinking about reinventing Tubular Bells for live performance with dancers and acrobats—and of course live music, it was Robin who I knew could realise this vision.
“I am thrilled that this is finally coming to the stage and I trust no-one more to reimagine my work in this way.”
He adds: “I am sure that the 50th anniversary live concert experience of Tubular Bells will be spectacular, theatrical, fantastical and thrilling.
“I’m so excited it is premiering in 2021, marking 50 years from when I started writing the music and will be touring the world through to 2023, the 50th anniversary of the original album release.”
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Tubular Bells, the debut studio album by the multi-instrumentalist, composer and songwriter, was released in 1973 and gained worldwide acclaim when the opening theme was used for the soundtrack of the horror film, The Exorcist.
A bold and progressive fusion, the LP is a journey through classical, jazz, folk, prog rock and electronica, and has gone on to sell over 15 million copies worldwide.
The work won the Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition in 1974 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018.
