LPO to Soundtrack Shard's Inauguration

The opening night of the London skyline’s newest addition, the Shard, will be soundtracked by none other than the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The 95-storey Shard - Europe’s tallest building - will be greeted into the capital this Thursday, July 5 with a spectacular laser and light show.

The London Philharmonic, led by David Angus, will perform Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man and the finale from Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. 

"London is the world’s capital for the arts and the Shard has instantly become an iconic image of London’s creativity," said LPO chief executive and artistic director, Timothy Walker. 

“The London Philharmonic Orchestra, central to London’s cultural life for 80 years, is delighted to welcome its new neighbour by being part of the Shard’s opening celebrations." 

The lightshow will use 12 lasers and 30 searchlights. Scheduled for 10.15pm, the spectacular event promises to light up the London skyline and illuminate the capital’s most famous landmarks.