World-class artists work alongside Academy students this autumn

The Academy welcomes Gareth Lockrane, Jakub Hrůša, Véronique Gens, Femi Temowo and Semyon Bychkov for a series of performances and masterclasses this term.

At the Academy, performance is a way of life. Concerts here regularly provide opportunities for students to forge industry links, as well as to perform alongside and learn from globally renowned artists. We have witnessed future artists build their careers on Academy stages; over the next few months our current cohort of students will do the same, developing their creative practise alongside experts.

Some highlights this autumn include:

Steve Reich at 90: London Sinfonietta SIDE-BY-SIDE

Celebrating Steve Reich's 90th birthday, the Academy Manson Ensemble will perform at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall this weekend. In this SIDE-BY-SIDE performance, Academy students will join the London Sinfonietta and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood for a programme of works inspired by Reich's rhythmic lens, conducted by alum Chloe Rooke.

Academy Jazz Orchestra with Gareth Lockrane

Gareth Lockrane conducts the Academy Jazz Orchestra in a double bill featuring selections from his recent album, Box of Tricks, alongside a celebration of the late composer/arranger Jim McNeely.

Notable jazz educator and seasoned performer across a diverse range of projects, Gareth currently holds the position of Director of Junior Jazz and Professor of Jazz Saxophone and Flute at the Academy. Accolades include winner of Best European Jazz Group award with his band Grooveyard and winner of best album with his septet at the 2010 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Jakub Hrůša conducts Janáček and Bartók

The Academy Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Jakub Hrůša for the first time this October, in a programme that features Janáček’s rhapsody, based on Nikolai Gogol’s epic story about the Cossack warrior Taras Bulba, alongside music from Bartók’s pantomime ballet, The Miraculous Mandarin.

Jakub is Chief Conductor of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of The Royal Opera. From 2028 he will join the Czech Philharmonic as Chief Conductor and Music Director Designate. In 2026 he has been named Musical America’s Conductor of the Year and ICMA’s Artist of the Year.

Vocal Masterclass: Véronique Gens

Thanks to the generous support of The Carr-Gregory Trust, Véronique Gens visits the Academy for the first time this autumn. Véronique is one of France’s best-loved sopranos, recognised as one of the finest interpreters of Mozart and French repertoire. Having performed at major venues and festivals worldwide, Véronique offers her wealth of knowledge to Academy singers this term in a public masterclass.

Academy Jazz Ensemble with Femi Temowo and Nick Smart

Composer and guitarist Femi Temowo is a MOBO Award nominated musician widely recognised as one of the most exciting, genre-busting voices to emerge in the British jazz scene. He continues to inspire in his role as mentor to young musicians. 

Femi leads an ensemble of jazz students in a set of his own original music, as well as arrangements of classic tunes. This SIDE-BY-SIDE project is a rare chance to see intergenerational music-making with established artists and emerging young stars, composing and improvising together. 

Semyon Bychkov conducts Wagner and Elgar

Semyon Bychkov returns to conduct the Academy Symphony Orchestra. The programme begins with the opening and closing music from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde and features Elgar’s ‘Enigma’ Variations, Op 36.

Alongside his role as the Academy’s Klemperer Chair of Conducting, Semyon holds positions at the BBC Symphony Orchestra as Günter Wand Conducting Chair, at Czech Philharmonic as Chief Conductor & Music Director, and most recently as Music Director Designate at the Opéra national de Paris.

For a full list of Academy events and collaborations, visit our What’s On page.