Vibrant cultural hub and boutique concert hall in Nine Elms, World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens welcomes in 2026 with a rich programme of blues, jazz, classical, Indian classical and Persian music to get you through the chilly nights with its welcoming space, warm and friendly café/bar and awesome acoustics from its world-leading d&b Soundscape system.

With every concert ticket purchased, you are not only enjoying outstanding performances by talented musicians, but also supporting young people at award-winning charity, World Heart Beat Music Academy—many of whom would otherwise be unable to experience the joy of music due to financial or social barriers.

For the second consecutive year, World Heart Beat presents its Piano in the Elms series, inspired by the Elm tree—an enduring symbol of Nine Elms as a timeless symbol of community and connection. Just as the elm embodies resilience, unity, and mystery, the series brings people together through the captivating power of piano music, transcending genres and celebrating harmony. The series starts with Liberian-Norwegian pianist alongside a visual artist working in installation, sculpture, and design objects in Piano in the Elms: Kamilla Arku & Jordan Söderberg (Thursday 12 March); followed by Romanian concert pianist known for his profound musicality, Piano in the Elms: Andrei Gologan (Friday 13 March); Romanian born pianist blending classical, jazz, and Romanian folk influences Piano in the Elms: Cristiana Achim (Thursday 19 March); World Heart Beat Artist in Resident and Dutch- British concert pianist known for his “poetic interpretations” and cross-disciplinary approach to classical music, Piano in the Elms: Cyrill Ibrahim – A Journey of Chopin’s Heart (Friday 20 March).

February

Vladimira Krckova: A Return to the Source, Wednesday 4 February 2026, 7:30pm (jazz)

Multi-genre vocalist Vladimira Krckova, in a rare and powerful partnership, is joined by a distinguished pianist and poet, Robert Mitchell, a kindred spirit whose touch on the keys mirrors and amplifies the profound, narrative quality of their artistry. Together, they will navigate a landscape on the edge of pop, jazz, world, and classical music—a genre-fluid space where raw emotion and sophisticated craft merge. A journey across soundscapes, from American classics like “Blue in Green” to the Brazilian gem “Serenata do Adeus,” and a contemporary reimagining of Baroque and 20th-century arias. The evening will also feature new compositions by Vladimira Krckova from her upcoming album A Woman in a Hurricane, alongside rare musical discoveries, including a surprise Mexican song and a beloved pop classic.

Ustad Kamal Sabri & Ustad Tari Khan: Peace through Music, Wednesday 21 February 2026, 7:30pm (Indian Classical)

Two Indian Classical Music maestros come together to offer a Peace through Music concert. Ustad Kamal Sabri is an internationally acclaimed sarangi maestro, composer, and educator, representing the seventh generation of the 400-year-old Moradabad Gharana. Son and foremost disciple of Sarangi Samrat Ustad Sabri Khan Sahab, he is renowned for his mastery as a leading Sarangi Soloist and for his innovative contributions, including the addition of a cello string to the sarangi. Ustad Tari Khan is a world-renowned tabla maestro from Pakistan, celebrated for his electrifying virtuosity and deep command of the Punjab gharana style.

Rana Farhan: Persian Soul, Saturday 28 February 2026, 7:30pm (blues/jazz)

Rana Farhan grew up in Tehran, lives in New York, sings in Persian and English, sounds like Billie Holiday, adores blues and jazz, and is — in almost every other way — a unique cultural product of both her native Iran and her adopted country, the United States. Rana continues to push boundaries with her latest album, Persian Soul, released on March 28, 2025. This 10-track collection returns to the poetry of Rumi, weaving his timeless words into original compositions that blend blues, soul, and Persian influences in Rana’s signature style. With Persian Soul, she invites listeners on a fresh journey through love, longing, and transcendence — a testament to her ever-evolving artistry and fearless genre-defying spirit.

March

Piano in the Elms: Kamilla Arku & Jordan Söderberg, Thursday 12 March 2026, 7:30pm (classical)

Liberian-Norwegian pianist Kamilla Arku draws on her diverse background as inspiration for her work as a performer, scholar and educator; she has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in the US, Europe and Africa. Recent highlights include performances for Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago, MoMA PS1, the Royal Opera House, the International Florence Price Festival, and Works & Process at the Guggenheim. Jordan Söderberg Mills is a Canadian visual artist working in installation, sculpture, and design objects; his work explores ideas of identity, perception and the sublime, playing with the borders between physical and digital realities, and pushing the material possibilities of light.

Piano in the Elms: Andrei Gologan, Friday 13 March 2026, 7:30pm (classical)

Deeply connected to the traditions of the past and eager to shape the future of classical music, Andrei Gologan is earning an international reputation as a thought-provoking concert pianist. His poetic interpretations have garnered the support of legendary pianists such as Sir András Schiff and Richard Goode, leading to invitations from some of Europe’s most prestigious festivals and concert halls, including the Herkulessaal in Munich, Wigmore Hall in London, the Schleswig-Holstein Festival, and Heidelberger Frühling.

Piano in the Elms: Cristiana Achim, Thursday 19 March 2026, 7:30pm (classical)

Bucharest-born classical pianist, composer and educator, Cristiana Achim is recognised as a standout talent of her generation. Graduating with First Class Honours in 2024 from the Royal College of Music in London, under the tutelage of Professor Nigel Clayton, she earned both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Performance degree. An exceptional classical pianist whose repertoire spans classical, jazz and folk music, Cristiana creates a vivid solo piano show rooted in folklore, combining virtuosity, warmth and expressive freedom. She continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians as a dedicated piano teacher at the World Heart Beat Music Academy.

Piano in the Elms: Cyrill Ibrahim – A Journey of Chopin’s Heart, Friday 20 March, 7:30pm (classical)

Chopin’s Heart is an intimate solo piano experience exploring the inner world of Frédéric Chopin — his exile, his loves, and the extraordinary journey of the physical heart he left behind. The programme centres on the Heroic Polonaise, a powerful expression of Chopin’s longing for Poland, and the monumental Third Sonata, one of his most personal and emotionally revealing works. These are interwoven with pieces by other composers that reflect themes of memory, identity, and belonging, creating a musical narrative that follows Chopin’s path across countries and across the fault lines of his own life. An immersive and atmospheric concert that invites audiences to experience the beating heart behind the musical genius, Cyrill Ibrahim.

Sarah L King Presents The Light Ahead, Thursday 26 March, 7:30pm (jazz)

Jazz-soul vocalist Sarah L King presents her much-anticipated second album, The Light Ahead. Produced by ECN Music with Claire Martin OBE at the helm, Sarah and her trio of world-class musicians (plus guests) bring eight exciting original songs and four surprise covers from her album, released in March 2026. With her soulful vocals and world class musicians, Sarah’s music regularly features on Jazz FM and BBC3. Appearing regularly at Pizza Express Soho, 606 Club and Hampstead Jazz Club, Sarah has just toured Stockholm with her Swedish trio and is fresh from her Sold-Out show at the EFG London Jazz Festival 2025.