For hundreds of years, Spitalfields in east London has been a haven for rebels, dissidents and immigrants from all over the world. Today, its position at the eastern edge of the City has made it a desirable location for property developers, but since 1976 the annual Spitalfields Music Festival has celebrated the area’s reputation for resistance and inclusiveness.
Over two weeks, this year’s festival embraces music both ancient and contemporary, some from the very heart of the European classical repertoire, others from utterly different traditions. Besides concerts, there are also walking tours through areas that are hidden, overlooked or simply taken for granted. Below, we offer a selection of concerts that capture the spirit of Spitalfields 2022.
