The Marlowe Theatre is collaborating with the Philharmonia Orchestra to present free pop-up classical music performances throughout Canterbury. Ensemble musicians will perform thirty-minute sets at multiple city centre locations including Canterbury West station, Westgate Gardens, Solly’s Orchard, Whitefriars Square, and local businesses.

The initiative coincides with the Philharmonia’s 80th-year celebrations and their long-standing residency at the theatre. The event also includes a VR experience in the theatre’s foyer where visitors can watch Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony from the conductor’s perspective.

The day concludes with a ticketed evening concert featuring pianist Alim Beisembayev performing Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and Brahms. Learning leaders emphasised that this activity makes orchestral music “completely free and accessible,” extending classical music experiences beyond traditional concert venues.