Harry Styles Stuns with Orchestral Performance at Southbank’s Meltdown Festival

On June 16, Harry Styles captivated a sold-out audience with a unique orchestral performance at Southbank’s Meltdown festival. The 32-year-old artist, known for his hit ‘As it Was’, paused his successful 12-show residency ‘Together, Together’ at Wembley Stadium to perform at the Royal Festival Hall in the U.K.

Collaborating with composer Jules Buckley and the House Gospel Choir, Styles presented reimagined versions of tracks from his latest album, ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally’, as well as earlier works. He also delivered a surprising rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water.’

During the event, Styles expressed his affection for classical and orchestral music. Speaking to the audience, he acknowledged the challenge of entering a field where he does not read music. He highlighted his collaboration with Buckley, saying, It’s quite an intimidating field to step into as someone who doesn’t — cannot — read music. He added, I met Jules and we worked together and I’ve never felt so welcomed into the space.

The performance was part of the Meltdown festival, held from June 11, showcasing a variety of free and paid events featuring indie, jazz, electronic, and pop artists. Styles curated the festival, expressing his deep connection to the artists involved and emphasizing the honor of hosting both legendary and emerging musicians.

In a statement to Billboard, Styles shared, Music is my life; every artist involved in this year’s Meltdown festival means so much to me, both as a fan and a musician. He expressed admiration for the legends and new acts that have pushed his creative boundaries.

The Meltdown festival continues through June 21 at the Southbank Center. Meanwhile, Styles’ ‘Together, Together’ Tour extends until the end of the year, with a 30-night schedule at Madison Square Garden in New York this fall. His residency at Wembley Stadium in London lasts until July 4.