World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens Unveils 2026 Live Music Line-Up

Whether your heart leans toward blues, jazz, classical, Indian classical or Persian music, World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens has something to brighten the chilly nights of early 2026.

The state-of-the-art digital music education and concert venue in Nine Elms features a 200-seat auditorium equipped with a d&b soundscape system, alongside a professional recording studio. Through its programmes, the organisation supports Black, culturally diverse, female and LGBT+ talent across South London to carve out their place in the music industry. Its Music Academy brings music into the lives of young people by offering tuition, instruments and performance opportunities to hundreds each year.

Returning for the second year is the Piano in the Elms series, inspired by the Elm tree—a symbol of community and connection. Just as the elm embodies resilience, unity, and mystery, the series brings people together through the captivating power of piano music, transcending genres and celebrating harmony.

With a rich mix of styles and artists, the 2026 programme promises something for everyone. With every concert ticket purchased, you are not only enjoying outstanding performances by talented musicians, but also supporting young musicians whom would otherwise be unable to experience the joy of music. Explore the January–March line-up below.

Jas Kayser and Chums (Friday 16 January)- drummer, composer and band leader who was nominated for Up and Coming drummer for Modern Drummers Poll .Known for blending jazz with Afro-beat Jas’s own eclectic and versatile band, has brought joy and energy to enthusiastic crowds.
Nnamdi Nachi Cole Trio, Wilf Diamond, Ruben Ross (Saturday 17 January) An electrifying triple bill showcasing some of London’s freshest jazz talent, developed at both World Heart Beat and the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy.
Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson and Kumi Matsuo (Friday 23 January)- British clarinettist, Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson and solo pianist, chamber musician and accompanist, Kumi Matsuo invite you on an exhilarating journey through four distinct works from Widor’s noble lyricism and Debussy’s impressionistic hues to Horovitz’s jazzy wit and Montgomery’s vibrant modern voice.
Vladimira Krckova: A Return to the Source (Wednesday 4 February): multi-genre vocalist Vladimira Krckova is joined by a distinguished pianist and poet, Robert Mitchell as they navigate a landscape on the edge of pop, jazz, world, and classical music. arias. The evening will also feature new compositions by Krckova from her upcoming album A Woman in a Hurricane, alongside rare musical discoveries, including a surprise Mexican song and a beloved pop classic.
Ustad Kamal Sabri & Ustad Tari Khan: Peace through Music Concert (Wednesday 21 February)- two Indian Classical Music maestros come together to share their message of peace. Ustad Kamal Sabri is an internationally acclaimed sarangi maestro, composer, and educator and Ustad Tari Khan is a world-renowned tabla maestro from Pakistan, celebrated for his electrifying virtuosity and deep command of the Punjab gharana style.
Rana Farhan: Persian Soul (Saturday 28 February)- vocalist Rana continues to push boundaries with her latest album weaving poet Rumi’s timeless words into original compositions that blend blues, soul, and Persian influences. With Persian Soul, she invites listeners on a fresh journey through love, longing, and transcendence.
Piano in the Elms: Kamilla Arku & Jordan Söderberg (Thursday 12 March): Liberian-Norwegian pianist alongside a visual artist working in installation, sculpture, and design objects. His work explores ideas of identity, perception and the sublime, playing with the borders between physical and digital realities, and pushing the possibilities of light.
Piano in the Elms: Andrei Gologan (Friday 13 March)-Romanian concert pianist known for his profound musicality. Deeply connected to the traditions of the past and eager to shape the future of classical music, Andrei Gologan is earning an international reputation as a thought-provoking concert pianist.
Piano in the Elms: Cristiana Achim (Thursday 19 March): the Romanian born pianist, composer and educator, blends classical, jazz, and Romanian folk influences. She continues to nurture the next generation of musicians as a piano teacher at the World Heart Beat Music Academy.
Piano in the Elms: Cyrill Ibrahim – A Journey of Chopin’s Heart (Friday 20 March): World Heart Beat Artist in Resident and Dutch-British concert pianist known for his “poetic interpretations” and cross-disciplinary approach to classical music. This intimate solo concert explores the inner world of Frédéric Chopin
Sarah L King Presents The Light Ahead (Thursday 26 March)- jazz-soul vocalist Sarah L King presents her much-anticipated second album.