Yekaterina Lebedeva, Professor of Piano at Trinity Laban, is set to perform as a solo pianist during the Lord Mayor's Show on Saturday, 14 November 2026. She will play a full acoustic grand piano, supplied by Markson Pianos, on the Pollinating London Together (PLT) eco-themed float as it makes its way through central London.
The annual parade, a tradition dating back to the early 13th century, draws over half a million spectators and is broadcast live on BBC One. This year, Lebedeva returns with a new artistic vision, building on her experience performing on a moving float last year. Her curated programme will respond to the rhythm and momentum of the procession.
Lebedeva expressed her enthusiasm for bringing classical music to a wider audience: “I’ve always dreamed of taking classical music out of its academic bubble and out to people in the streets. I was convinced that everyone could love classical music if you swapped the traditional recital room for a flatbed truck and take it around London, adapting traditional performance to make it public art.” She added, “On top of that, the performance will be broadcast live to millions nationwide on BBC One which is amazing! Having performed in the Lord Mayor's Show last year, I am very much looking forward to the amazing atmosphere of public celebration and the great energy that people emanate. Classical musicians rarely experience that on such a scale.”
The performance on the Pollinating London Together float is a collaboration with the charity's Chairman, John Burton, who believes classical music can amplify the message of urban biodiversity. Lebedeva noted the similarity between this and her academic role in educating minds and raising awareness. The collaboration with Marksons Pianos, a historic family-run business, is in its second year. Support has also been provided by Brett Transport, Joseph Rochford Gardens, Kirk Coachworks, Present Communications, and Shaftsberries Flowers.
