Pop Goes Classical: Designing Magic for the London Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at Salisbury Cathedral
There are some design briefs that make your heart beat a little faster. When I was approached to create the visual assets for Pop Goes Classical, an enchanting concert by the London Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, I knew instantly that this project would be something special. Held in the majestic Salisbury Cathedral, this candlelit performance transforms Britain’s most beloved modern hits into stunning orchestral renditions. With such a magical setting and musical concept, the design needed to strike a careful balance between classical elegance and contemporary appeal.
As a freelance graphic designer in Surrey, I pride myself on close collaboration with clients to ensure every element - from concept to final delivery - is aligned with the tone and message of the event. This project was no different. The client’s brief was both exciting and inspiring:
“We’re looking for something cathedral-like, maybe some stained glass, some candles and something which looks orchestral.”
This provided a clear starting point: a mood of reverence, grandeur, and light, grounded in the timeless beauty of classical music, but also open to a touch of modernity.
The Concept Phase: Finding Visual Harmony
The first step was research. I immersed myself in imagery of Salisbury Cathedral, exploring not only the architecture but the way light moves through its stained glass, the towering arches, and the mood created when bathed in candlelight. I then combined this with visual cues that spoke to the orchestral theme: flowing staves, classical instruments, and elegant serif typefaces.
A key part of my process is clear communication, and this client was wonderfully open and involved. We exchanged regular feedback at every milestone, ensuring that both the creative direction and practical needs were met. We worked through three or four mood board (or as I call them… ‘Crafti Boards’) until we struck just the right balance for the final design tweaks.
We honed in on a style that leaned into the traditional and atmospheric: tall gothic windows,, luminous candlelight glows, rich gold accents, and stylised stained glass motifs, with the modern orchestra about to play in silhouette. This look would translate beautifully across both print and digital formats, preserving the mood no matter where the audience encountered the design.
Creating the Assets: A Unified Visual Story
With the visual language agreed upon, I set to work creating the full suite of assets. These included:
A1, A3, A4 concert posters
DL leaflets for local distribution
Instagram and Facebook graphics
Website banner visuals
Each piece needed to convey the grandeur of the evening while remaining clear and functional. Typography played a key role here. I used an elegant serif font paired with a clean sans-serif for contrast, allowing the event details to remain readable while adding a sense of timeless sophistication.
To echo the stained-glass aesthetic, I illustrated a custom window frame motif that could be layered into the background of each design.
Collaborative Design in Action
Working with the client on this project was a dream. Through frequent check-ins and quick turnarounds, we were able to tweak small details - like shifting the colour temperature of the candlelight or adjusting the balance of imagery to text - to make sure the final designs hit all the right notes. This close collaboration ensured that the tone was not just beautiful, but perfectly aligned with the event’s spirit.
One of the proudest moments of the project came when we saw the designs live for the first time - live on the venue and reseller website. Seeing a unified brand identity come to life across platforms is one of the most satisfying parts of being a graphic designer in Surrey.
Why Design Matters for Events Like This
Design is more than just decoration - it sets the emotional stage for what people can expect. For a concert like Pop Goes Classical, where modern meets classical in one of Britain’s most iconic cathedrals, the design had to prepare the audience for a rich sensory experience.
Strong visual storytelling helps build anticipation, drives ticket sales, and makes the event memorable. It was a privilege to help shape that story and bring it to life with visuals that honour both the music and the magical setting.
Final Thoughts: A Note on Creative Collaboration
As a freelance graphic designer Surrey clients turn to for bespoke, meaningful design, I always approach projects with the same blend of curiosity, craftsmanship, and communication. Pop Goes Classical is a testament to what can be achieved when great music, iconic locations, and thoughtful design come together.
Whether you're hosting a concert, launching a product, or creating a new brand, investing in high-quality design ensures your message resonates. If you're looking for graphic designers Surrey businesses rely on for collaborative, original visual solutions, I'd love to chat.
