Each year, Classic FM champion 30 artists under the age of 30 that are shaping the future of classical music. They spotlight the technique, creativity and musicality of conductors, composers and performers across the sector. The Academy are delighted to be represented by the following alumni:

Braimah Kanneh-Mason – violin

Violin graduate Braimah Kanneh-Mason is an internationally renowned musician, regularly performing as a soloist and chamber musician at prestigious music venues and festivals across the world. Braimah is a member of the Kanneh-Mason Piano Trio, the Festival Academy Budapest Ensemble and the Kaleidoscope Collective. He regularly performs with organisations such as Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bath Philharmonia. He often records for radio, has performed at the BBC Proms, and is a passionate advocate for equal opportunity and diversity in music.

Amelia Lewis – trombone

Amelia Lewis is a recent Academy Tenor Trombone graduate, currently studying at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover under a Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) Isserlis Scholarship to study abroad. Amelia is a trombonist and vocalist, experienced in solo, orchestral, chamber and jazz performance. From growing up performing in local brass bands and choirs, her more recent career highlights include performances in the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Bridgewater Hall and Ulster Hall.

Charlie Lovell-Jones – violin

2022 Academy graduate Charlie Lovell-Jones is an award-winning violinist that performs with major orchestras internationally. Following his sold-out Royal Festival Hall debut at aged 15, Charlie was the youngest-ever member of the John Wilson Orchestra and has since graced some of the world’s most prominent stages, regularly leading Sinfonia of London and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Charlie is a featured soloist on two releases from Chandos Records, has appeared on numerous live radio broadcasts and released his debut recital album with Linn Records in 2022, as part of his experience as Bicentenary Scholar at the Academy.

Michal Oren – conductor

Michal Oren studied for her Professional Diploma in Conducting at the Academy, graduating in 2025. Michal participated in the RPS Women Conductors’ Programme, was a Female Conductor Trainee at Opera North and recently joined the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship Mentoring Programme. She is a semi-finalist in the upcoming 80th Concours de Genève Conducting Competition, following previous successes in conducting competitions across Europe. Michal initiated a museum chamber orchestra with the Petah Tikva Museum of Contemporary Art in Israel that perform repertoire inspired by visual art.

The Academy would like to congratulate Braimah, Amelia, Charlie and Michal for this recognition, and offer well wishes for the next steps in their careers.

You can find out more about the Classic FM Rising Stars 2026 here.