World Heart Beat, the leading music education charity, are delighted to announce a spectacular evening fundraising gala on Thursday 6 July.

Enjoy a night filled with glittering performances at Wigmore Hall, as World Heart Beat presents music from celebrated jazz and classical artists, alongside talented young musicians from their Academy.

All proceeds from the concert will be used to fund bursaries for disadvantaged children and young people to learn music at World Heart Beat.

“Learning a musical instrument is a beautiful gift, it creates a real sense of sweetness, breaks down barriers in so many ways, develops communication, community, friendship and brings people together. It opens doors and offers opportunities that transform lives. It also galvanises the ability to learn, and easily transfers into other disciplines empowering every other endeavour.

One of the big realities of today is the need for consistent financial support as the last thing we want is for money to be a barrier and prevent access to learning, so our fundraiser is fundamental to the programmes we offer at World Heart Beat.

Learning a musical instrument is a skill and relationship that impacts children positively to their very core which nobody can take away and a gift that they will be enjoying for the rest of their lives.”

(Sahana Gero MBE, World Heart Beat’s founder and Artistic Director)

This special evening concert will feature a variety of world-class musicians across genres, alongside a showcase of up-and-coming players who are studying at the Music Academy.

Viktoria Mullova
Viktoria Mullova is arguably one of the most impressive and critically acclaimed violinists of her time. She presents Bach solo sonata in G minor, for which her interpretations have won worldwide acclaim.

“To hear Mullova play Bach is, simply, one of the greatest things you can experience.” (Guardian)

Paco Peña
Paco Peña is one of the world’s foremost traditional flamenco guitarists; the very soul of this most Spanish of artform; his bewitching style being something so traditional and yet so fresh.

“The delicacy and strength of his playing is spellbinding.” (Times)

Julian Joseph
Julian Joseph is one of the finest, most influential and highly respected musicians in British jazz today. Devoting his career to championing the music across the UK and in the far corners of the world, he has forged a reputation beyond his formidable skills as a performer and composer.

“A very impressive pianist producing deftly swinging, well-structured lines and filling in the bass.” (Jazz Journal)

Çiğdem Aslan and Zivorad Nikolic
Çiğdem Aslan is an Istanbul-born singer who sings in many languages and regional styles. She is accompanied by acclaimed accordionist, Zivorad Nikolic, performing folk songs from different regions of Anatolia, and beyond, and exploring the Sevdalinka genre of folk music from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Aslan sings up a storm; wild, haunted beauty.” (★★★★★ Songlines)

“Nikolic’s skill is unmatched and his solos were full of emotion and passion.” (EncoreMusicians)

World Heart Beat Academy student showcase

A series of short performances from some emerging talents from the World Heart Beat Academy:

Josiah Wade – Classical Piano
Josiah studies in our piano department and is also an exciting jazz musician, learning at Julian Joseph Jazz Academy.

Luca Wills – French Horn
11 year old Luca has been learning the French Horn since he was eight, and enjoys playing with World Heart Beat’s roots project, our 51st State Band.

Isola MacPherson, Ava Joseph, Sian Kelly and Anjelo Disons – four very talented jazz vocalists emerging from World Heart Beat will present two separate performances.