Summer At Snape 2026 Brings Month Long Music Festival To Suffolk

Summer at Snape 2026

31 July – 30 August

Britten Pears Arts announces Summer at Snape, an invitation to explore music in all its forms, bringing together a wide range of artists including Laura Mvula, Talisk, Nik Kershaw and the London Symphony Orchestra for a vibrant summer programme. With more than 60 events there is something for everyone; from orchestral classics and contemporary jazz to folk, choral music, musical theatre, pop and more. A month-long celebration of music running from 31 July – 30 August, bringing together world-class artists, emerging talent and a wide-ranging programme of performances, events and experiences. Britten Pears Arts’ aim is to ensure that music and the arts transform people’s lives and bring the community together. Summer at Snape offers a programme filled with opportunities for audiences to listen to live music, take part in workshops, explore summer exhibitions and the Suffolk landscape, and enjoy family-focused activities.

Highlights

Orchestras: BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and Sora Elisabeth Lee give the world premiere of Deborah Pritchard’s Nightingale, inspired by the art of Maggi Hambling; Fantasia Orchestra and Tom Fetherstonhaugh celebrate 20^th century song; the London Symphony Orchestra under Antonio Pappano perform Bruckner & The Novello Orchestra and David Mahony present A Night at the Musicals
Ensembles: Brecon Baroque led by Rachel Podger bring fresh vitality to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons; Opera Anywhere stages Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance; VOCES8 celebrates the American choral tradition; Manchester Collective joins Sidiki Dembélé and his ensemble for a programme of folksong and storytelling from Côte d’Ivoire, Mali & one of the most successful brass bands The Cory Band takes centre stage
Solo Recitals: Piano music by Beethoven, Ravel and Dobrinka Tabakova from Isata Kanneh-Mason and Pavel Kolesnikov performs Chopin’s complete piano Nocturnes
Classically Black Weekend in collaboration with Black Lives in Music, celebrates Black and Global Majority artists with performances from Julian Joseph and his trio, cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson, violinist Nathan Amaral and Friday Night is Music Night with the BBC Concert Orchestra led by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser
Jazz, Swing & Pop: Ivor Novello, MOBO and BRIT award-winning Laura Mvula is joined by pianist Oli Rockberger for a special acoustic performance; the Glenn Miller Orchestra led by Ray McVay recreates the golden age of swing; The Puppini Sisters showcase their trademark three-part harmonies & one of the UK’s most successful solo artists of the 1980s Nik Kershaw returns to his Suffolk roots
Folk and World: Everette blends bluegrass roots with rock ’n’ roll; Elephant Sessions bring their high-energy fusion of trad, funk and electronica; Senegal’s Orchestra Baobab fuse Afro-Cuban rhythms, West African traditions and jazz influences; Scottish trio Talisk bring their high-energy, genre-defying folk sound to the stage & The Wooden Roots Experience returns for a weekend of immersive workshops and performance of West African music and dance
The first Britten Pears Summer Academy led by Ryan Wigglesworth, develops outstanding emerging musicians through an intensive programme of masterclasses and performances, offering audiences a chance to experience the next generation of talent up close
Youth Orchestras: Some of the world’s most dynamic youth orchestras visit Summer at Snape including the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britan with Thomas Adès; the National Youth String Orchestra, with Damian Iorio & the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America led by Karina Canellakis
Families: A summer of creativity for young people including interactive Mini Music Makers sessions, mindfulness workshops for children, and a brand-new family show from CBeebies’ Nick Cope.
The Red House: Stories from the Archive, tours of Britten and Pears’ home & Spiritual Britten examines the passions and beliefs that shaped Britten and the works he created
Visual Art: The third edition of Britten Pears Arts’ Summer Contemporary exhibition presents around 200 works by established and emerging UK artists, following an unprecedented number of submissions.
Works on display at Snape Maltings and The Red House by artists including Maggi Hambling, William Blake, Tracey Emin, Barbara Hepworth and David Hockney
Explore: Snape Maltings also offers independent shops, galleries and food, as well as opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape through river trips and walks

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive, Britten Pears Arts commented, ‘Summer at Snape brings together world-class artists, emerging talent and audiences of all ages for a month of music, discovery and creativity in one of the UK’s most inspiring settings. 2026 marks fifty years since the death of our Founder, Benjamin Britten. His and Peter Pears’ commitment to supporting young artists remains central to our purpose. We’re proud to continue their legacy through our first Summer Academy, led by Ryan Wigglesworth, and to create opportunities for audiences to get closer to the creative process. Whether you’re here for a concert, a workshop, or simply to enjoy the landscape, we look forward to welcoming you this summer.’

Detailed Programme information

Orchestras

Fantasia Orchestra and conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh are joined by mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan for a celebration of 20^th century song, including jazzy music from Gershwin and Cole Porter and emotionally powerful works from Strauss and Gustav and Alma Mahler. An eclectic mix that’s carefully curated to tell a story that is moving, varied and richly expressive (2 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
The Novello Orchestra, conducted by David Mahony, presents A Night at the Musicals, a high-energy celebration of West End favourites from Wicked and Les Misérables to Chicago and The Phantom of the Opera. They are joined by Welsh of the West End, known for their appearances on Britain’s Got Talent, for a programme of well-known musical theatre favourites (23 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sora Elisabeth Lee and featuring violinist Harriet Mackenzie, presents the world premiere of Deborah Pritchard’s Nightingale, inspired by the art of Maggi Hambling, alongside Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony and Kodály’s Dances of Galánta (26 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
The London Symphony Orchestra, under its Chief Conductor Antonio Pappano, presents a programme including Gubaidulina’s Viola Concerto with soloist Eivind Ringstad, alongside Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9 (28 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall)

Ensembles

Opera Anywhere presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic masterpiece The Pirates of Penzance, directed by Vanessa Woodward with music direction by Matthew Rickard, and performed in the grounds of The Red House. Featuring well-known songs and a fast-paced, humorous story of love, duty and mistaken identity, this outdoor performance offers a relaxed and accessible operatic experience (10 Aug, 6pm, The Red House).
The Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8 performs a wide-ranging programme spanning Britten to Simon and Garfunkel. Celebrating the richness of the American choral tradition, the programme brings together spirituals, folk, classical and contemporary works, alongside selections from the American songbook, all performed in their signature a cappella style (13 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
Brecon Baroque, directed by Rachel Podger, performs Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons alongside excerpts from Bach’s The Art of Fugue. Played on period instruments, the programme brings fresh perspective and clarity to these Baroque masterpieces (25 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall)
The Cory Band, based in Treorchy in the South Wales Valleys and widely regarded as one of the world’s leading brass ensembles, brings a programme of major works and recent repertoire highlights to Snape Maltings. Known for its dynamic and engaging performances, the band continues to set the standard in brass playing with music that appeals to a broad audience (29 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
Sidiki Dembélé and his ensemble are joined by Manchester Collective for a programme of folksong and storytelling from Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Senegal alongside reimagined classical works. Led by violinist Rakhi Singh, this collaboration blends tradition and contemporary performance in an energetic, rhythm-driven concert, created in partnership with The Wooden Roots Experience (30 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

Visiting Artists

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason showcases power, delicacy, astounding technique and emotional maturity. She performs two of Beethoven’s most popular works – Moonlight and Waldstein sonatas, alongside Ravel’s ferocious and passionate Gaspard de la nuit and music by Dobrinka Tabakova, including Halo, a journey from darkness to blinding sunshine (1 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
Pianist Pavel Kolesnikov performs Chopin’s complete Nocturnes in a programme curated around the themes of Dreams, Memories and Visions. Offering a rare opportunity to hear the cycle in full, Kolesnikov brings a poetic and introspective approach that highlights the works’ intimacy and expressive depth (18 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings)

Classically Black Weekend: 14–16 August

Presented in collaboration with Black Lives in Music and now in its third year, this weekend (14 – 16 Aug) celebrates Black and Global Majority artists across a series of performances at Snape Maltings.
A genre-blending set from Ayanna Witter-Johnson, known for her powerful vocals and signature blend of classical, jazz, reggae, soul, and R&B styles. Having collaborated and toured with Andrea Bocelli, Peter Gabriel and Anoushka Shankar, and been commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra, Ayanna’s concert will preview songs from her sophomore album New Roots due for release this September.
(14 Aug, Snape Maltings Concert Hall, 7.30pm).
Two recitals showcasing emerging artists: Classically Black Recital I features pianists Teddy Otieno and Amiri Harewood and violist Sagnick Mukherjee performing a programme of Schubert and Coleridge-Taylor (15 Aug, 3pm, Peter Pears Recital Room) and Classically Black Recital II sees cellist Hoda Jahanpour’s explorations of memory and the natural world, abstract-vocalism from Michael Howell, sonic journeys that blend classical, jazz and electronic music with violinist Rebekah Reid and pianist Zara Antonia’s immersive music that combines lyrics, samples and electronics (16 Aug, 3pm, Peter Pears Recital Room).
Julian Joseph and his trio perform material from their much-anticipated new album, Voyage of the Faithful, all set within the intimate space of the Britten Studio, transformed into an atmospheric jazz club with cabaret tables. Joseph brings his hallmark sparkle, originality, and the authoritative swinging precision for which he and his trio are so renowned to a new set of original compositions, plus prized jazz standards (15 Aug, 7.30pm, Britten Studio).
The weekend concludes with Friday Night is Music Night, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra under Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser with violinist Nathan Amaral, a rich and wide-ranging celebration of music by Black composers. Blending jazz, classical and beyond, the programme includes works by living Black composers Julian Joseph, Jessie Montgomery, Errollyn Wallen and Ayanna Witter-Johnson, alongside earlier music by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and showcasing a vibrant spectrum of voices and styles (16 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

Jazz, Swing & Pop

Ivor Novello, MOBO and BRIT award-winning, Mercury Prize-nominated artist Laura Mvula is joined by pianist Oli Rockberger for a special acoustic performance. Known for her inventive blend of R&B, jazz, classical and pop, Mvula presents a stripped-back set highlighting her voice and songwriting (31 Jul, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
The Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by Ray McVay, recreates the golden age of swing with an evening of iconic hits by Glenn Miller. Featuring classics including “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” the performance captures the authentic sound of the 1930s and ’40s with Miller’s original orchestra line-up (9 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
The Puppini Sisters bring their trademark wit, glamour and dazzling three-part harmonies, marking 20 years since their debut album, the fastest selling by a jazz act in UK history. Featuring Marcella Puppini, Emma Smith and Kate Mullins, the programme includes jazz standards and inventive covers, showcasing the trio’s distinctive blend of wit, glamour and musical precision (19 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
Nik Kershaw, one of the UK’s most successful solo artists of the 1980s, performs hits including “Wouldn’t It Be Good” and “I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” alongside newer material. A celebrated songwriter and producer who grew up in Ipswich, Kershaw spent over 60 weeks in the UK Top 40 (21 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

Folk & World

Fronted by Kentucky native Brent Rupard, Everette blends bluegrass roots with rock ’n’ roll and have become known for their salt-of-the-earth songwriting and superb musicianship, a winning combination recognised by 12 appearances with the Grand Ole Opry (7 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

Formed in the Highlands of Scotland, Elephant Sessions bring their high-energy mix of trad, funk and electronica. Renowned for dynamic live shows at festivals including Glastonbury Festival and Celtic Connections, the band combine fiddle, mandolin, bass and drums in a powerful, dance-driven performance. Their latest album For The Night reached No.3 in the Official Folk Album Chart and won Album of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (11 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
Senegal’s Orchestra Baobab bring their unmistakable fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, West African traditions and jazz influences to Snape in a rare UK performance. Renowned for their rich brass sound, soulful vocals and infectious grooves, the band continues a musical legacy that has captivated audiences worldwide since the 1970s, presenting music including tracks from their new album Made in Senegal (22 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall)
Acclaimed Scottish trio Talisk bring their high-energy, genre-defying folk sound to the stage, combining concertina, fiddle and guitar in an electrifying live performance. Featuring Mohsen Amini, Benedict Morris and Charlie Galloway, the trio have built a global following with their dynamic shows and award-winning music. This is a standing event with limited seating available on the balcony (27 Aug, 7.30pm, Britten Studio).

Developing Young Artists

New for 2026, the Britten Pears Summer Academy (1 – 14 Aug), offers an intensive professional development programme for outstanding early-career instrumentalists and composers. Led by Ryan Wigglesworth, and a faculty of internationally renowned musicians, the Academy focuses on core chamber repertoire, from string quartets to piano quintets, with an emphasis on 20th- and 21st-century music, equipping participants for professional careers. Audiences can observe masterclasses with Dame Imogen Cooper (3 & 4 Aug, 10.30am, Peter Pears Recital Room), the Kelemen Quartet (3, 4 & 5 Aug, 2.30pm, Cranbrook Room), Adrian Brendel (9 Aug, 2.30pm, Peter Pears Recital Room), Steven Osborne (10 Aug, 2.30pm, Peter Pears Recital Room), and James Baillieu (11 Aug, 2.30pm, Peter Pears Recital Room), alongside a composition masterclass with Julian Anderson and Wigglesworth (10 Aug, 10am, Peter Pears Recital Room). Performances include a complete cycle of Bartók’s String Quartets (6 Aug, 11am & 2:30pm, Peter Pears Recital Room) a Faculty Gala (12 Aug, 7.30pm, Britten Studio) and a Final Showcase (14 Aug, 2pm, Britten Studio), offering a glimpse of the next generation of musical talent.
The Suffolk Youth Orchestra, led and featuring Millie Wood as soloist, and conducted by Ian McCrae, performs Hamish MacCunn’s The Land of the Mountain and the Flood, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with soloist Millie Wood, and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No.2 (4 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain is conducted by Thomas Adès in a programme featuring Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz No.1, Adès’ Grammy Award-winning Purgatorio, combining prerecorded voices with live orchestra, and Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique (6 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
The National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America is led by Karina Canellakis, with pianist Kirill Gerstein, in a programme of Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandal, Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra (8 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
The National Youth String Orchestra, conducted by Damian Iorio, performs Mozart’s Adagio and Fugue, Stravinsky’s Apollon musagète, Ruth Gipps’ Cringlemire Garden and Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings (20 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).
Aldeburgh Young Musicians (AYM), part of the national Centres for Advanced Training network, supports the development of talented musicians aged 10–18 through a programme of courses and performances at Britten Pears Arts. Highlights include the Leavers’ Celebration, showcasing graduating musicians in a programme of original work and varied styles (5 Aug, 6.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall), and an Open Session Preview, offering an informal glimpse of new work in an intimate setting (7 Aug, 7pm, The Pumphouse, Aldeburgh).

Participatory Events & Family Concerts

Mini Music Makers activity sessions are a fun interactive session of music, play and exploration for the under 5’s, featuring a variety of musical styles including nursery rhymes, blues and rock and roll. Friendly and fun, they’re designed to help children learn social skills, turn-taking and sharing (5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug, 10am, The Red House).
Nick Cope brings a brand-new family show for ages 3+ to Summer at Snape, featuring his songs and humour alongside animated visuals. Best known from Nick Cope’s Popcast on CBeebies, his performances have a special way of igniting children’s imaginations in a way that’s both fun and educational (2 Aug, 11am & 1pm, Britten Studio).
Quietnote: Mindfulness Sessions offer two relaxed, age-specific workshops for children to explore music and mindfulness through sound and play. The 10am session (ages 0–3) focuses on gentle sensory experiences and early bonding, while the 11.30am session (ages 4–10) encourages children to connect with their emotions through interactive activities, listening and mindful games (3 Aug, The Red House, Aldeburgh).
The Wooden Roots Experience returns to Summer at Snape for a weekend of immersive workshops and performance, bringing West African music and dance to Suffolk. Led by leading artists including Sidiki Dembélé, the programme features djembe drumming and dance sessions (29 & 30 Aug, Snape Maltings). The weekend culminates in a final performance by the Sidiki Dembélé Ensemble and Manchester Collective (30 Aug, 7.30pm, Snape Maltings Concert Hall).

The Red House

The Red House was the home of Britain’s most famous 20th-century composer Benjamin Britten and his partner, the singer Peter Pears. A place shaped by curiosity, hospitality and a love of art, design, music and nature. The Red House offers access to Britten and Pears’ personal collections, archive, and art. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours through the house, studio and library, and discover manuscripts, papers, rare books, and art (Thursday – Sunday, 10.30am – 4.30pm).
Spiritual Britten is curated by Paul Edmondson and explores the spiritual aspects of Britten’s life and music, looking at the defining moments and works that illustrate his motivations as a composer: his passions and the beliefs that shaped him and the works he created. Sacred music was a constant thread throughout Britten’s career. Though not devout, the Christian values and routines of his childhood shaped his approach to God and the music he composed. (2 April – 1 November, The Red House).

Visual Art

Visual art can be experienced across Summer at Snape, with works by artists including Maggi Hambling, William Blake, Tracey Emin, Barbara Hepworth and David Hockney on display at Snape Maltings and The Red House. The Red House also houses Britten and Pears’ personal collection of over 1,200 works.
The third edition of Britten Pears Arts’ Summer Contemporary exhibition (25 Jul–30 Aug), curated by Devi Singh, presents around 200 works by established and emerging UK artists across multiple spaces at Snape Maltings, many with strong links to Suffolk.