Royal Academy of Music hosts the New Talent Festival 2026
Royal Academy of Music prize winner Sergey Druzhinin and John Hutchins (Head of Junior Academy) at the New Talent Festival 2026
© 2026 Frances Marshall
News Story
Between 7 – 9 July 2026, the Academy hosted the New Talent Festival for the fourth time.
Founded in 2018 by Academy alum Amy Yuan, the New Talent Festival brings together young musicians aged 4-18 from across the world to participate in one-to-one masterclasses, interactive workshops, chamber coaching sessions, concerts and competitions. Over the past eight years, more than 1,600 young musicians from 37 countries have taken part.
The 2026 festival welcomed 140 entries from young musicians from the UK, Australia, Slovenia, Germany, Bulgaria, Canada, China, UAE, Azerbaijan, Thailand, Singapore, France, Mongolia and Ireland. The Final Round, Ceremony and Gala Concert were held at the Duke's Hall at the Academy, with John Hutchins (Head of Junior Academy) and Professor Jo Cole (Professor of Cello) conducting interactive workshops and masterclasses.
Prizes were awarded across multiple instruments and age groups throughout the festival. Members of the jury from the Academy included John Hutchins, Professor Jo Cole, Fraser Gordon (Head of Woodwind) and Nicola Eimer (Piano Ensemble Coach and Professor of Ensemble Piano).
© 2026 Frances Marshall
The New Talent Festival, an official partner and in residence at the Royal Academy of Music, enjoyed its 9th year of growing success. Young musicians from around the world were able to perform in this iconic venue, in a safe and supportive environment. The Academy was filled with wonderful music, quiet determination, inspired learning, and sweet family moments. It was a joyful celebration of music.
The Royal Academy of Music Prize was awarded to 12-year-old pianist Sergey Druzhinin. This prize offers the awardee admission into the Junior Academy without audition, a one-to-one masterclass, a £1000 cash prize and mentorship support from the New Talent Festival Committee, among other opportunities.
The New Talent Festival is also hosting an online competition culminating in a live award ceremony hosted over Zoom. Kira Doherty (Head of Brass at the Academy) joins as a juror for this virtual competition.
We are delighted to continue our partnership with the New Talent Festival, in a shared commitment to nurturing young talent. To find out more about the festival, visit their website.