The Southbank Centre has always shown originality in its attitude to curation. Since 1993 they have given esteemed musicians the chance to guest direct their own programme of performances at the annual Meltdown Festival.

Meltdown 2012 (August 1st-12th) is curated by Antony Hegarty, of Antony & the Johnsons and we look forward to seeing what he has in store.

Not only do artist’s choices illuminate a great deal about their own inspirations, but the festival has also given rise to many highly innovative moments in music history. Here are our archive favourites from over the years.

• George Banjamin curated the first ever Meltdown which included the world premiere of his Sudden Time, a decade’s worth of his musical self reflection.
• Ray Davis deviated from music in 2011, bringing together Monty Python heroes Michael Palin and Terry Jones ‘In Conversation’.
• During Jarvis Cocker’s 2007 programme Grace Kelly, Pete Doherty, Nick Cave and Shane McGowan came together to sing Disney songs in an unlikely to ever be repeated and off the wall performance.
• Morrissey has always been an enigma and his 2004 offering draw together a highly  range of styles. Famously obsessed with The New York Dolls, having edited a fanzine as a teenager, he persuaded the band to reform especially for Meltdown.

Ever been to Meltdown? Witnessed an unusual or even unprecedented musical moment? Share your highlights.

Posted by Kate.