Menuhin Chamber Music Festival 2026
Are you passionate about music? Do you dream of creating beautiful harmonies with fellow musicians? Check out the Chamber Music Workshop 2026, where the magic of music comes alive!
This 3-day intensive course is designed to inspire and develop young musicians through a combination of string orchestra rehearsals, chamber group coaching, and Masterclasses led by industry leading music professionals. Participants will refine their ensemble playing, explore a diverse repertoire, and gain valuable performance experience.
This year, we are excited to enhance our programme with daily world-class concerts as part of the course. Concert programme will be released shorlty.
Location:
The Yehudi Menuhin School, KT11 3QQ
Date:
15-17th February, 2026
Who can apply:
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Chamber group:
Grade 4 and above string/wind players and Grade 8 and above pianists
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String Wonderland:
Grade 1-3 string players
String Wonderland at The Menuhin School
String Wonderland is an exciting part of the SMA Chamber Music Festival, running alongside of Chamber Music Course. Designed specially for junior string players from Grade 1 to Grade 3. This programme offers a supportive and inspiring environment for young musicians to grow.
The course is led by the talented and experienced Suzanne Evans, Mini & Junior Menuhin leader, alongside Victoria Fenech. Over three days, participants will focus on developing essential musicianship skills, ensemble experience musicianship skills, ensemble experience, and performance techniques, while also exploring the connection between music and mindfulness for overall wellbeing.
The highlight of String Wonderland will be the opportunity for participants to perform at the SMA Chamber Music Festival Gala Concert on 17th February at the Menuhin Hall. Sharing the stage with fellow musicians and SMA Faculty, these young musicians will showcase their progress and celebrate their achievements in what promises to be a memorable event.
Location:
The Yehudi Menuhin School, KT11 3QQ
Date:
15-17th February, 2026
Suitable for:
String players Grade 1-3
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Our Faculty Team
Conductor
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Conducted his first public concert at the age of 13.
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Performed for dignitaries such as Barack Obama, Desmond Tutu, and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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Appointed as the youngest director of the Southampton University Symphony Orchestra.
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Built strong relationships with various orchestras throughout his career.
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Set to make his conducting debut in Serbia later this year.
Pianist
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Martin James Bartlett is a Warner Classics artist and a faculty member in the Keyboard Department at the Royal College of Music.
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Known for his fearless technique and artistry, he has received acclaim for albums like "Love and Death" and "La Danse".
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Performs at top festivals and venues worldwide, showcasing his exceptional musicianship.
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Collaborates with prestigious ensembles, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Honored with awards such as the Prix Serdang.
Cellist
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Member of the BBC Concert Orchestra and London Mozart Players.
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Collaborates with a wide range of artists, from Bryn Terfel to Kylie Minogue.
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Graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and SUNY Purchase, USA, studying under Derek Simpson and Julia Lichten.
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Cello tutor at the Royal Grammar School Guildford.
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Has tutored NYOGB Inspire and the National Youth Orchestras of Ireland, Ulster, and Wales.
Violinist
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Music scholar at the Purcell School of Music under Mateja Marinkovic.
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Studied at the Guildhall School of Music and performed with Nigel Kennedy and Sir Simon Rattle.
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Collaborated with prestigious orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Solo performances at venues such as St Martin in the Fields and with the Belmont Ensemble of London.
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Key member of the Arlington String Quartet and violin teacher at the Yehudi Menuhin School, Bedales School, and RGS.
Violinist
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Jennifer Pike gained international recognition at age 12 as the youngest-ever winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year; Aged 15 she made acclaimed debuts at BBC Prom and Wigmore
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She has performed with top orchestras worldwide, including the London Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Oslo Philharmonic, and City of Birmingham Symphony
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She was appointed as a violin Professor at Royal Music of College
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She graduated with First-Class Honours from Oxford University and was later Artist-in-Residence, age 16 received postgraduate scholarship by Guildhall School of Music and drama
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Her acclaimed recordings include concertos by Sibelius, Mendelssohn, and Rózsa on Chandos, Sony, and Naxos
Violist
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Millennium Award-winning violist and violinist with degrees from Edinburgh University and Trinity College of Music.
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Founder of Kosmos Ensemble, blending classical, improvisation, jazz, and world music styles.
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Specialises in diverse genres, including tango, Celtic, Romanian, Greek, Jewish, and Middle-Eastern music.
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Tours internationally with She’Koyokh, the UK’s leading Klezmer and Balkan music ensemble.
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Renowned for her unique fusion of classical and traditional music from around the globe.
Violinist - Mini & Junior Menuhin Leader
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Graduated from US Shenandoah University, followed by a Master's degree at Carnegie University.
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Co-principal violin at Yucatan Symphony Orchestra. She also plays regularly with the National Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as guest principal which has included concerts at the Royal Festival Hall, Codogan Hall and BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall as well as many international tours.
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Suzanne also teaches at The Yehudi Menuhin School junior department, a member of Surrey Music Academy
Violinist - Mini musician specialist
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Born in Malta and began to learn violin at the age of three. She completed her Grade 8 exam at the age of 14 and her ABRSM Diploma a year later
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Victoria continued her music studies at the University of Bristol and graduated in 2018
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She a has great passion for teaching young children, she teaches both privately and in local schools A member of the faculty at Surrey Music Academy
Pianist & Accompanist
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Maltese pianist with degree from University of Malta, Conservatorio L. Cherubini (Florence) and University of Surrey (PhdD)
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Performs widely as soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician across Europe
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Piano tutor at University of Surrey, Royal Grammar School Guildford, and St Mary's School Ascot
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Released acclaimed recordings including Czech Gems and Sea Croon