Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music, London- Spring 2026.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

The RAM has announced its spring season of events and performances, including an array of jazz performances. Details attached.

We have received the following press release;

Today, we announced our spring season of events and performances, including an array of jazz performances. This is hot off the heels of the Academy Jazz Orchestra’s Grammy nomination.
https://www.ram.ac.uk/news/academy-students-receive-grammy-nomination

I have included some jazz highlights below;

Wednesday 4 Feb at 7.30pm: The Academy Jazz Orchestra with Leon Foster Thomas
The Academy welcomes Leon Foster Thomas for this debut performance of his brand-new arrangements for jazz orchestra. A gifted jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso from Trinidad and Tobago, Leon blends Caribbean music with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz to create a lively and eclectic mix.
This concert features the premieres of some of Leon’s classic works scaled up for large ensemble, based on his research into the roots, rhythms and reach of Anglophone and Francophone Caribbean jazz.

Wednesday 11- Thursday 12 February: Academy Jazz Festival
This year sees the now well-established Academy Jazz Festival celebrate its 12th year. This intensive week of projects has become a highlight of the academic year, with students working alongside guest artists who lead small ensembles in performances of their own music. Each concert showcases the music of three guest bandleaders. This year, we look forward to the first appearances from two British rising stars of the international jazz scene, saxophonist Alice Leggett and recent graduate and trumpeter Alexandra Ridout, as well as saxophonist Binker Golding. Piano legends and Academy alums Gwilym Simcock and Kit Downes return, and iconic saxophonist Julian Argüelles makes his debut at the festival.

Sunday 8 March at 7.30pm at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room: Academy Jazz Orchestra with Laura Jurd
Following the success of creative tour de force Laura Jurd’s latest album, Rites & Revelations, the Academy Jazz Orchestra invites her to illuminate her folk meets jazz world. Expect ritualistic drones, intricate fiddle tunes and cathartic improvisations in what promises to be a breathtaking example of big band music in the 21st century. Performed by the Jazz Department’s rising stars, this concert also features special guest and long-time collaborator Corrie Dick.

You can read more about our spring season here;
https://www.ram.ac.uk/news/royal-academy-of-music-announces-spring-2026-performances