Playing with Fire: An Immersive Odyssey with Yuja Wang

Get closer to the explosive talent of pianist Yuja Wang at a groundbreaking concert combining live piano with a stunning VR world that you can roam.

Tue 20 Oct 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027

Spirit Level, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall

Tickets from £20

Run time 45 minutes (approx)

Leave the traditional concert hall behind at Playing with Fire: An Immersive Odyssey with Yuja Wang, described as a ‘jaw-dropping fantasy world’ by The Telegraph in a four-star review.

The experience features an avatar of Yuja Wang performing a dazzling selection of classic works, handpicked by the artist herself, on a real, self-playing Steinway Spirio piano. Witness her electrifying keyboard skills brought to life right in front of you, with all the power and resonance of a live concert.

Don your virtual reality headset and roam freely around the space to get closer than ever before to Yuja Wang’s artistry and her exhilarating performances of works by composers including Ravel, Stravinsky and Prokofiev.

Explore as the music is brought to life by dreamlike virtual animations that evolve as you move. Water rises and engulfs you, flames dance, and vast deserts and tranquil seascapes inhabited by extraordinary figures appear, drawing you deeper into a magical landscape that’s ‘like Disney’s Fantasia on steroids’ (The Guardian).

Or you can simply take a seat and be absorbed in this multisensory world – a whole new way to experience classical music.

Please note that Playing with Fire does not feature Yuja Wang in person. The experience is a virtual concert featuring a pre-recorded avatar of Yuja Wang and her recital, presented in an immersive environment.

All creative content in Playing with Fire is original. AI was used to support production and scaling.

Need to know

Age guidance

Recommended for ages 12+. Under-10s are not permitted due to the required fit of the headset.

Event information

The experience is available in English, French and Mandarin (Chinese). Please speak to a Visitor Assistant if you wish to use a language other than English.

Please arrive ten minutes prior to the start time specified on your ticket. For those with a 10am slot, please arrive promptly at 10am. Due to the immersive nature of the performance, we cannot guarantee entry to latecomers.

Creative team

Produced by VIVE Arts and Atlas V, in collaboration with production partner Lightroom.

Performer: Yuja Wang

Writer, director & creative director: Pierre-Alain Giraud

Creative director & original artwork: Gabríela Friðriksdóttir

Art director: Arthur Maugendre

Sound designers: Nicolas Becker & Antoine Martin

Lead developer: Sylvain Hayot

Scenographer: Laurence Fontaine

Lighting designer: Philippe Berthomé

Technical team: Studio Albyon

Supported by Steinway & Sons, the CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l’image animée) and Pictanovo.

Yuja Wang appears courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft.

All artist performances recorded and played back on Steinway & Sons Spirio.

Find out more info or book your tickets on https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/playing-with-fire/

📩 Get ESEA events in your inbox — subscribe to our free biweekly newsletter at novaesea.com/subscribe