Half Six Fix, London Symphony Orchestra and guest soloists, Barbican

Lovers of the performing arts have always had this problem: how do you go to an event that lasts all evening, be it play, concert or opera, and still have a relaxing dinner.

Until now the solution has been a quick bite between work and curtain up, or art on an empty stomach. Now the London Symphony Orchestra has unveiled the second in its series of one-hour concerts designed to dissolve the cares of the day and ending early enough to release you in time for a meal out or time at home.

The Half Six Fix was launched last year, when Sir Simon Rattle arrived as the LSO's music director, and was a huge hit.

This season's programme opens (13 Nov) with Debussy's dreamy Prélude à l’Après-midi d’un Faune, followed by Richard Strauss's mighty Also Sprach Zarathustra. François-Xavier Roth conducts the LSO

Next comes a very interesting and entertaining programme (12 Dec): Stravinsky's Ebony Concerto, Golijov's Nazareno for two pianos and orchestra, and Bernstein's firecracking Prelude, Fugue and Riffs. Rattle conducts and the piano soloists are the dynamic sisters Katia and Marielle Labèque. This will make a highly entertaining programme for families too.

A piece called Let Me Tell You, by a Dutch composer championed by Rattle, Hans Abrahamsen, is the curtain-raiser to Sibelius's picturesque Symphony No. 7 (9 Jan). The soprano soloist in the Abrahamsen is the phenomenal Barbara Hannigan.

The Half Six season concludes (27 March) with Strauss's playful Till Eulenspiegel and the edgy Shostakovich Symphony No. 1. Gianandrea Noseda conducts.

This beautifully balanced mix of classics and fresh new work is a fantastic way to discover music new and old, and to hear the LSO, which is on top form, in a relaxed setting.

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Booking is open. Wild card tickets at £10 secure a seat, but you won't know whereabouts until you arrive...