Dive into the 2026 season of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, where musical masterpieces come alive. From Ray Chen's profound violin displays with Nielsen and Tchaikovsky to the spellbinding symphonies of Shostakovich and Beethoven, this year's lineup promises an immersive experience. The Valentine's Opera Gala adds a touch of romance, and Strauss’ vibrant compositions leave audiences in awe. With world-class conductors and virtuosos, each performance is set to captivate audiences worldwide.

A Symphony of Greatness: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's 2026 Highlights

This February and March, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is set to captivate audiences with an array of performances at the iconic Cadogan Hall in London. The series features a remarkable blend of operatic gala nights, classical symphonies, and unique orchestral pieces, celebrated under the baton of distinguished conductors and acclaimed soloists. From Valentine's serenades to the timeless symphonies of Beethoven, each event promises an unforgettable evening, making it a perfect gathering for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

A Symphony of Love and Emotion: Highlights from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's 2026 Gala Season

From the grandiose melodies of romantic opera to the stirring symphonies of classical greats, February at Cadogan Hall was nothing short of a musical odyssey. As the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Cadogan Hall hosted a series of spellbinding performances, audiences were treated to the rich tapestry of love, passion, and timeless artistry. With notable performances from acclaimed conductors and soloists, each event painted a vivid picture of musical excellence, capturing the essence of human emotion through sound.

A Melodic February: Celebrating Love and Masterpieces at Cadogan Hall

Cadogan Hall in London is set to be the epicenter of a vibrant musical journey in February 2026, featuring an eclectic mix of performances. From the haunting symphonies of Shostakovich to the lively beats of 1920s Harlem, and from the emotional depth of Strauss' compositions to the nostalgic rhythms of the '80s, each event promises a unique auditory experience. Whether you're a fan of classical orchestras, rock tunes, or evocative musicals, these events are sure to captivate your heart and leave you in awe.

Cadogan Hall: A Feast of Sounds and Stories

Pavel Kolesnikov

Adam Hickox

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Cadogan Hall

Celebrating the early years of Phil Collins at the helm of Genesis (1976-80): the iconic tracks, the signature drum duets, and the 1978 Mirrors tour.

And Then There Was… Phil celebrates the most impactful artist and performer of our times, showcasing Genesis’ incredible prog-rock repertoire, including some of the band’s early hits such as ‘Follow You, Follow Me’ and classic tracks from A Trick of the Tail, Wind & Wuthering, And Then There Were Three and Duke albums.

The Musical Box

Cadogan Hall 

Since its inception, the RCM Junior Department has offered advanced training at the highest level to young musicians aged 8–18, nurturing its students with individually tailored programmes of one-to-one instrumental, voice and composition lessons, supported by chamber music, orchestral, choral and musicianship classes.

Many former RCMJD students are now leading and influential figures in the music industry.

RCM Junior Dept Chamber & Symphony Orchestras

Since the passing of legendary pianist/composer Stan Tracey CBE in 2013, son, Clark Tracey has led various tribute groups, performing compositions of the great man, ranging from quartet to big band.

This performance highlights a range of his well-loved compositions from the many and varied suites penned by Stan Tracey over 50 years.

Stan’s final group’s nucleus will be participating: Simon Allen on saxes and Andrew Cleyndert on bass, along with Clark, of course, who was the drummer in his father’s groups for 35 years. The outstanding Gareth Williams will be adopting Stan Tracey’s role on piano.

Clark Tracey’s Tribute to Stan Tracey

Celebrated Dutch fortepianist Ronald Brautigam makes his eagerly awaited debut with Ian Page’s award-winning orchestra The Mozartists, performing two of Mozart’s delightful early piano concertos.

The programme also includes Mozart’s popular Serenata notturna, scored for the unusual combination of strings and timpani, and the joyfully effervescent Divertimento in D major, K.251, allegedly composed as a 25th birthday present for Mozart’s sister.

Ronald Brautigam plays Mozart 2026

For a long time, the music of Nikolai Kapustin was known only to a few people in the Soviet Union. It’s only in the last couple of decades that his unique fusion of classical and jazz has reached a wider audience.

London Phoenix Orchestra are joined by Kapustin specialist Ophelia Gordon, whose debut album of his music has been highly acclaimed, for a rare performance of his Fifth Piano Concerto.

William Grant Still’s First Symphony, ‘Afro-American’, provides contrast and context for the Kapustin – the first symphony written by an African American to be performed by a major orchestra, it combines classical form with the language of the blues.

London Phoenix Orchestra

Step into Dance is a programme facilitated by the Royal Academy of Dance, in partnership with The Jack Petchey Foundation, to deliver dance classes to schools and youth groups within London and Essex.

Delivered by professional dancers, Step into Dance supports young dancers in continuously progressing and realising their creative potential.

Step Live is their annual celebration of dance, featuring a selection of work created by students on the Step into Dance programme throughout the year.

Step Live 2026

Fabienne Ambuehl is known for her vibrant contemporary jazz, weaving together elements of poetry, folk and storytelling. Her latest album Thrive, released on Ubuntu Music, won ‘Jazz Recording of the Year’ at the 2025 Presto Music Awards. The music of the London-based, Swiss-born pianist, singer and composer receives widespread acclaim from the international jazz press.

With fluid, expressive piano playing and emotive vocals, Ambuehl’s unique sound is lyrical, atmospheric and rich in detail, drawing inspiration from both the natural world and urban life. Her debut album, Glitterwoods (Traumton, Berlin), was named ‘Album of the Year’ by UK Vibe, and she has since performed and recorded internationally with many different artists, including a musical residency in Senegal funded by Arts Council England and appearing as an improvising soloist with Jazzchor Freiburg at the Eurovision Choir contest in Riga, Latvia.

Fabienne Ambuehl Quartet

Following a jubilant debut in 2025, Craig Martin’s Classic Albums Live returns to the UK to perform ‘note for note, cut for cut’ Led Zeppelin II, plus a bonus set of Zeppelin hits, promising an unforgettable experience for rock enthusiasts.

Classic Albums Live‘s reputation as the premier destination for live album recitals has been solidified over the past 23 years across North America and now offers UK audiences the opportunity to experience the pure essence of the music, performed by world-class musicians, with every note faithfully reproduced live on stage.

Led Zeppelin II

Featuring the bands and orchestras of Hillingdon Music Service. The Hillingdon Music Service takes its young musicians into the heart of London for their annual Encore concert at Cadogan Hall, with a special performance by Swakeleys School, winners of this year’s Choir Competition.

Hillingdon Music Service

Rimma Sushanskaya continues her symphonic series, offering an evening of soaring romanticism, featuring beloved works by Smetana, Bruch and Rachmaninov.

The programme begins with Bedřich Smetana’s vivid tone poem, Vltava (The Moldau), which traces the river’s journey from its source to its powerful climax in Prague.

The journey continues with Max Bruch’s lyrical Violin Concerto No. 1, celebrated for its dramatic expression and rich melodies, performed by the acclaimed soloist Coco Tomita.

National Symphony Orchestra

2026 marks the centennial of two visionary architects of modern jazz: Miles Davis and John Coltrane. To celebrate their enduring legacy, two of today’s most innovative and influential bandleaders – Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane – join forces for an exceptional concert.

Blanchard and Coltrane, both deeply connected to the spirit and lineage of these jazz icons, embody the very essence of creativity, futurism, transcendence, freedom – and the timeless ‘birth of cool’ that defined Miles and Trane’s artistry.

Ravi Coltrane and Terence Blanchard

Join the 30-piece Down for the Count Swing Orchestra for a celebration of one of the most iconic figures in swing music history – the incomparable Nat King Cole.

Enjoy timeless classics such as ‘Mona Lisa’, ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ and ‘L‑O‑V‑E’ brought back to life by the instrumentalists and vocalists of the sensational Down for the Count Swing Orchestra – one of the few UK Jazz ensembles to feature a string section.

Celebrating Nat King Cole

You never know where inspiration will strike. For Dvořák, the sight of a train arriving in Prague station suggested the opening of his Seventh Symphony. Personal tragedy did the rest, and the result is one of the most stirring (and beautiful) of Romantic symphonies: tense, stormy and pounding with emotion.

It’s a perfect match for guest conductor Adam Hickox, just as Brahms’ huge, sunlit Second Piano Concerto could have been written for the glorious sound and effortless brilliance of Pavel Kolesnikov – the award-winning piano virtuoso from Siberia who’s made his home in London, dazzling ears and stirring souls whenever he plays.

And because genius loves company, it all starts with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – and the irrepressible overture to the perfect comic opera.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 2026

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