London Symphony Orchestra live on Trafalgar Square

London Symphony Orchestra on Trafalgar Square

1. Awaiting the LSO concert

The concert starts at 6.30pm, but the audience arrive early to ensure they get a seat. Picture: @LondonSymphony

2. The crowds arrive

Around 10,000 people sitting on and around Trafalgar Square, with the enclosure itself full to bursting. Picture: Andy Squire

3. Valery Gergiev

Fresh from a concert in Russia, the LSO prove classical music is for everyone by springing a concert on the centre of London, with maestro Valery Gergiev at the helm. Picture: Andy Squire

4. LSO Open Air

Featuring players from the London Symphony Orchestra as well as young musicians from the Guildhall School and LSO On Track take to the stage on Trafalgar Square. Picture: Andy Squire

5. Sunshine and Berlioz

A rare sight in London - the sun's out, and the LSO are playing Berlioz on Trafalgar Square! Picture: Andy Squire

6. LSO Open Air

Featuring players from the London Symphony Orchestra as well as young musicians from the Guildhall School and LSO On Track take to the stage on Trafalgar Square. Picture: Andy Squire

7. London Symphony Orchestra Performers

Performing music by Berlioz including the Overture to Le corsaire and the Symphonie fantastique. Picture: Andy Squire

8. The view from the stage

A beautiful view of the church of St Martin in the Fields, as the LSO play live. Picture: Andy Squire

9. LSO Open Air

Sitting down and enjoying the music. Picture: @LondonSymphony

10. LSO badges

Volunteers hand out badges to add to the festival atmosphere on Trafalgar Square. Picture: @LondonSymphony

11. Berlioz

Presenter Rachel Leach explained Berlioz's ideas, including the 'idée fixe' in the Symphonie Fantastique, a clarinet theme representing the composer's intense love. Picture: Andy Squire

12. Covered up in case of rain

Come rain or shine, the LSO musicians are well-equipped for the British weather. Picture: Andy Squire

13. LSO and Nelson's Column

It's still unmistakably the centre of London - Nelson's Column proudly marks the spot. Picture: Andy Squire

14. Helpful screens

The concert programme is displayed on big screens on the sides of the square, with helpful notes about the music for classical music first-timers. Picture: Andy Squire

15. An impressively large orchestra

Double basses and harps feature in the orchestral line-up today. Picture: Andy Squire

16. St Martin in the Fields

The church of St Martin in the Fields lights up in the sun. Picture: @LondonSymphony

17. The view from the stage

Principal Percussionist Neil Percy shoots a quick snap of the impressive audience. Picture: @NeilPercyLSO

18. Big Ben and the LSO

Big Ben, otherwise known as the Elizabeth Tower, can be seen through the LSO's impressive rain-proof stage. Picture: Andy Squire

19. Sights and sounds of London

Even despite the noise of the surrounding city, the music still draws an impressive crowd, and can be heard throughout the square thanks to a large speaker system. Picture: Andy Squire

20. The LSO and Rachel Leach

Rachel Leach explains the story behind Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Picture: Andy Squire

21. LSO Open Air

Featuring players from the London Symphony Orchestra as well as young musicians from the Guildhall School and LSO On Track take to the stage on Trafalgar Square. Picture: Andy Squire