World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms, London unveils 2026 live music line-up for January, February and March 2026.

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens welcomes in 2026 with a rich programme of blues, jazz, classical, Indian classical and Persian music. Press release including fully detailed schedule attached.

We have received the following press release;

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

Vibrant cultural hub and boutique concert hall in Nine Elms, World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens welcomes in 2026 with a rich programme of blues, jazz, classical, Indian classical and Persian music to get you through the chilly nights with its welcoming space, warm and friendly café/bar and awesome acoustics from its world-leading d&b Soundscape system. 

With every concert ticket purchased, you are not only enjoying outstanding performances by talented musicians, but also supporting young people at award-winning charity, World Heart Beat Music Academy—many of whom would otherwise be unable to experience the joy of music due to financial or social barriers.

Kicking off in January, the festival season starts with exceptional jazz drummer Jas Kayser, who last year toured with Lenny Kravitz’s ‘Blue Electric Light’ world tour and was nominated for Up and Coming drummer for Modern Drummers Poll, Jas Kayser and Chums (Friday 16 January); followed by a jazz-triple bill from Nnamdi Nachi Cole Trio, Wilf Diamond, Ruben Ross (Saturday 17 January); an exhilarating journey through four distinct works, Poulenc – Sonata Movement 2 and 3, Howells – Sonata Movement 1 and V. Monti – ‘Czardas’ that celebrate expressive breadth and versatility with Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson and Kumi Matsuo (Friday 23 January); a multi-genre vocalist joins distinguished pianist and poet Robert Mitchell in Vladimira Krckova: A Return to the Source (Wednesday 4 February);  two Indian Classical Music maestros come together to share their message of peace Ustad Kamal Sabri & Ustad Tari Khan: Peace through Music Concert (Wednesday 21 February); a vocalist that continues to push boundaries with her latest album weaving poet Rumi’s timeless words into original compositions that blend blues, soul, and Persian influences Rana Farhan: Persian Soul (Saturday 28 February) and jazz-soul vocalist Sarah L King presents her much-anticipated second album in Sarah L King Presents The Light Ahead (Thursday 26 March).

For the second consecutive year, World Heart Beat presents its Piano in the Elms series, inspired by the Elm tree—an enduring symbol of Nine Elms as a timeless 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. The series starts with Liberian-Norwegian pianist alongside a visual artist working in installation, sculpture, and design objects in Piano in the Elms: Kamilla Arku & Jordan Söderberg (Thursday 12 March); followed by Romanian concert pianist known for his profound musicality, Piano in the Elms: Andrei Gologan (Friday 13 March); Romanian born pianist blending classical, jazz, and Romanian folk influences Piano in the Elms: Cristiana Achim (Thursday 19 March); World Heart Beat Artist in Resident and Dutch-British concert pianist known for his “poetic interpretations” and cross-disciplinary approach to classical music, Piano in the Elms: Cyrill Ibrahim – A Journey of Chopin’s Heart (Friday 20 March).

January

Jas Kayser and Chums, Friday 16 January 2026, 7:30pm (jazz)
Jas Kayser is a drummer, composer and band leader, who was nominated for MOBO Best Jazz Act 2022 and won Jazz FM Breakthrough Act 2021 and Parliamentary Jazz Newcomer 2021. In 2024, Jas was nominated for The Composers Award, Up and Coming drummer for Modern Drummers Poll. Known for blending jazz with Afro-beat and joining Lenny Kravitz’s ‘Blue Electric Light’ world tour last year, Jas’s own eclectic and versatile band, ‘Jas and Chums’, has brought joy and energy to enthusiastic crowds, winning awards and prizes while being featured on television and radio. Her well-crafted and explosive debut EP ‘Unforced Rhythm of Grace’ as well as her 2022 release ‘Jas 5ive’ have been championed by Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2, Julian Joseph on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 6’s Mary Anne Hobbs, Jazz FM and Jazzwise magazine.

Jazz Triple Bill: Nnamdi Nachi Cole Trio, Wilf Diamond, Ruben Ross, Saturday 17 January 2026, 7:30pm (jazz)
An electrifying triple bill showcasing some of London’s freshest jazz talent, developed at both World Heart Beat and the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. Nnamdi Nnachi-Cole Trio; Nnamdi is a young pianist with a beautiful flowing integrity of sound and described as one of the newest emerging stars in the London jazz scene; Green-Jakcsi, a talented 17-year-old alto saxophonist from London; Kassa’s growing reputation as an innovative composer with a powerful approach to improvisation has already got many in the London jazz scene; Ellis Gates is a young and upcoming jazz drummer, a two-time finalist of the Zildjian young drummer of the year competition, he has an amazing sound on the drums. Wilf Diamond is a London-based trombonist, pianist and improviser, having performed at venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Vortex, EartH Hackney and the Southbank Centre; Ruben Ross is an up-and-coming tenor saxophonist with a deep love for the jazz and saxophone tradition.

Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson & Kumi Matsuo, Friday 23 January 2026, 7:30pm (classical)
British clarinettist, Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson and solo pianist, chamber musician and accompanist, Kumi Matsuo invite you on an exhilarating journey through four distinct works that celebrate expressive breadth and versatility— from Widor’s noble lyricism and Debussy’s impressionistic hues to Horovitz’s jazzy wit and Montgomery’s vibrant modern voice. Saint-Saëns brings refined Romantic charm, and D’Rivera ignites the programme with dance-driven virtuosity, showcasing the clarinet’s expressive range in every direction. 

February

Vladimira Krckova: A Return to the Source, Wednesday 4 February 2026, 7:30pm (jazz)
Multi-genre vocalist Vladimira Krckova, in a rare and powerful partnership, is joined by a distinguished pianist and poet, Robert Mitchell, a kindred spirit whose touch on the keys mirrors and amplifies the profound, narrative quality of their artistry. Together, they will navigate a landscape on the edge of pop, jazz, world, and classical music—a genre-fluid space where raw emotion and sophisticated craft merge. A journey across soundscapes, from American classics like “Blue in Green” to the Brazilian gem “Serenata do Adeus,” and a contemporary reimagining of Baroque and 20th-century arias. The evening will also feature new compositions by Vladimira 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, Wednesday 21 February 2026, 7:30pm (Indian Classical)
Two Indian Classical Music maestros come together to offer a Peace through Music concert.  Ustad Kamal Sabri is an internationally acclaimed sarangi maestro, composer, and educator, representing the seventh generation of the 400-year-old Moradabad Gharana. Son and foremost disciple of Sarangi Samrat Ustad Sabri Khan Sahab, he is renowned for his mastery as a leading Sarangi Soloist and for his innovative contributions, including the addition of a cello string to the sarangi. 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 2026, 7:30pm (blues/jazz)
Rana Farhan grew up in Tehran, lives in New York, sings in Persian and English, sounds like Billie Holiday, adores blues and jazz, and is — in almost every other way — a unique cultural product of both her native Iran and her adopted country, the United States. Rana continues to push boundaries with her latest album, Persian Soul, released on March 28, 2025. This 10-track collection returns to the poetry of Rumi, weaving his timeless words into original compositions that blend blues, soul, and Persian influences in Rana’s signature style. With Persian Soul, she invites listeners on a fresh journey through love, longing, and transcendence — a testament to her ever-evolving artistry and fearless genre-defying spirit.

March

Piano in the Elms: Kamilla Arku & Jordan Söderberg, Thursday 12 March 2026, 7:30pm (classical)
Liberian-Norwegian pianist Kamilla Arku draws on her diverse background as inspiration for her work as a performer, scholar and educator; she has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in the US, Europe and Africa. Recent highlights include performances for Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago, MoMA PS1, the Royal Opera House, the International Florence Price Festival, and Works & Process at the Guggenheim. Jordan Söderberg Mills is a Canadian 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 material possibilities of light. 

Piano in the Elms: Andrei Gologan, Friday 13 March 2026, 7:30pm (classical)
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. His poetic interpretations have garnered the support of legendary pianists such as Sir András Schiff and Richard Goode, leading to invitations from some of Europe’s most prestigious festivals and concert halls, including the Herkulessaal in Munich, Wigmore Hall in London, the Schleswig-Holstein Festival, and Heidelberger Frühling.

Piano in the Elms: Cristiana Achim, Thursday 19 March 2026, 7:30pm (classical)
Bucharest-born classical pianist, composer and educator, Cristiana Achim is recognised as a standout talent of her generation. Graduating with First Class Honours in 2024 from the Royal College of Music in London, under the tutelage of Professor Nigel Clayton, she earned both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Performance degree. An exceptional classical pianist whose repertoire spans classical, jazz and folk music, Cristiana creates a vivid solo piano show rooted in folklore, combining virtuosity, warmth and expressive freedom. She continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians as a dedicated piano teacher at the World Heart Beat Music Academy. 

Piano in the Elms: Cyrill Ibrahim – A Journey of Chopin’s Heart, Friday 20 March, 7:30pm (classical)
Chopin’s Heart is an intimate solo piano experience exploring the inner world of Frédéric Chopin — his exile, his loves, and the extraordinary journey of the physical heart he left behind. The programme centres on the Heroic Polonaise, a powerful expression of Chopin’s longing for Poland, and the monumental Third Sonata, one of his most personal and emotionally revealing works. These are interwoven with pieces by other composers that reflect themes of memory, identity, and belonging, creating a musical narrative that follows Chopin’s path across countries and across the fault lines of his own life. An immersive and atmospheric concert that invites audiences to experience the beating heart behind the musical genius, Cyrill Ibrahim.

Sarah L King Presents The Light Ahead, Thursday 26 March, 7:30pm (jazz)
Jazz-soul vocalist Sarah L King presents her much-anticipated second album, The Light Ahead. Produced by ECN Music with Claire Martin OBE at the helm, Sarah and her trio of world-class musicians (plus guests) bring eight exciting original songs and four surprise covers from her album, released in March 2026. With her soulful vocals and world class musicians, Sarah’s music regularly features on Jazz FM and BBC3. Appearing regularly at Pizza Express Soho, 606 Club and Hampstead Jazz Club, Sarah has just toured Stockholm with her Swedish trio and is fresh from her Sold-Out show at the EFG London Jazz Festival 2025.

Venue Details
Address: World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, 3 Ponton Rd, Nine Elms, London SW11 7BD
Tel: 0204 547 1075



http://www.worldheartbeat.org

About World Heart Beat
In 2023, World Heart Beat opened World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens, a state-of-the-art digital music education and concert venue in Nine Elms, featuring a 200-capacity auditorium and industry-standard recording studio. Through our Music Leader and EMERGE training programmes, and GLA-funded South London Music Mentors, programme we are supporting Black, culturally diverse, female and LGBT+ South London talent to find their path in the music industry. 
Wandsworth-based World Heart Beat Music Academy was founded in 2009 to meet the need for affordable music education, from grassroots to professional level, for South Londoners, no matter what their age, background or skills. Fronted by award-winning musician and educator Sahana Gero MBE, World Heart Beat is a leading music educator and hub – supported by Arts Council England as an NPO, and known for its inclusive global music programmes, youth-led approach and contribution to a more diverse and representative music sector. 
The charity provides music tuition and performances opportunities for c.446 young people each year outside of school hours. World Heart Beat’s mission is to provide opportunities for all, with an ‘open door’ approach that welcomes any young person interested in learning music. This commitment sees them providing bursaries and free instruments to more than half of the students that come through their door.