Last modified on Tue 9 Mar 2021 02.42 EST
Mendelssohn called London a âsmoky nestâ but he was fond of the city, becoming a regular visitor, and a favourite of Queen Victoria. More interesting than a blue plaque, look for the squat sundial in Camberwellâs Ruskin Park honouring his popular Spring Song â written nearby â or the tree stump on a Barbican walkway, which tenuously marks his memory. (Both may have been removed as health hazards. Updates welcome.) One of Mendelssohnâs greatest calling cards â written when he was 16 â was his Octet, a natural and joyous choice for the opening concert of London Unwrapped: Sounds of a Migrant City, the new year-long series at Kings Place.