SURREY HILLS INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
Surrey Hills International Music Festival (SHIMF) has announced the programme for its 2026 season – which will be the 17th edition of the much-loved classical music festival that, each Spring, brings world-class musicians to perform in beautiful venues across the Surrey Hills.
Taking place between 5 and 16 May 2026, highlights of this year’s concert series include, Award-winning Tenebrae, recognised as one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles, performing a programme of choral music from across the centuries at Guildford’s historic Holy Trinity Church.
World-renowned clarinettist Julian Bliss, with his extraordinary jazz Quintet, playing favourites by the pioneers of jazz at the iconic RHS Garden Wisley.
Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano and Festival Patron Dame Sarah Connolly in a recital of Brahms, Mahler, Mozart and Debussy with celebrated pianist Julius Drake.
A two-piano extravaganza bringing together four of the world’s top soloists – Katya Apekisheva, Charles Owen, Juho Pohjonen and Wu Qian – to perform a special concert at The Menuhin Hall.
Continuing its commitment to support young and emerging artists, this year sees the return of the Festival’s Lunchtime Young Artist Concerts, with Flutes & Frets Duo playing at West Horsley Place and talented students from Surrey’s world-famous Yehudi Menuhin School performing at the beautiful medieval church of St Michael’s Betchworth.
Two outstanding students from the Yehudi Menuhin School will also join the glittering Sitkovetsky Trio in this year’s Festival Finale, taking place at the School’s exquisite Menuhin Hall.
SHIMF 2026 will include the world premiere of the winning work in the third Surrey Hills Young Composer Competition, which is open to young people aged 18 or under living or attending school/college in the county. Judges for the 2026 competition are international pianist and SHIMF Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Wu Qian; acclaimed guitarist, composer and Professor of Composition and Director of the International Guitar Research Centre at the University of Surrey, Stephen Goss, and award-winning violinist and composer Natalie Klouda.
Henry Pearson, newly appointed Chairman of SHIMF, said: “The Festival continues to flourish, with more concerts, expert talks and guided walks, and this year we’re thrilled to welcome one of our patrons, Dame Sarah Connolly, for a special evening recital.”
“Now in our 17th season, we present a vibrant programme of international soloists and ensembles that promises to delight music lovers of all tastes. The Surrey Hills remain at the heart of our identity – a setting whose beauty and spirit inspire everything we do. We look forward to welcoming audiences from near and far to share in another season of exceptional music-making in this remarkable landscape.”
He continued: “I also want to convey heartfelt thanks to Julia Pearson who, in her 15 years of extraordinary leadership as Chairman of the Festival, has transformed this wonderful charity. I am delighted that Julia will continue as a Trustee.”
Tickets for Surrey Hills International Music Festival 2026 are now on sale. For full programme details and to book tickets: shimf.co.uk
