Music tuition for 70 disadvantaged London children

Dear Friends, 

We hope you’re enjoying this beautiful, sunny weather. We’re excited to share some of the latest news from World Heart Beat - it’s been an inspiring season with plenty of music-making opportunities for all ages! 

Since our last newsletter, three of our talented flute students — Cedent, Olivia and Jasnique — gave a captivating performance with renowned Brazilian pianist M Bratke at World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens. That same month, our Kimber Road space hosted a packed Singing Soirée, where young vocalists of all ages and abilities performed.  

 April welcomed a Café Concert at Embassy Gardens, featuring the beautifully expressive piano playing of Callum L. A long-time student of World Heart Beat, Callum graduated in 2022 with a first-class degree in Music Business and Entrepreneurship, and now works at leading classical artist agency, Maestro Arts. He continues to inspire others through his role on our Ziggazah Youth Board.  

 In May, pupils from Herbert Morrison Primary School enjoyed a special concert by the USAF Band, part of our First Beats entry-level music programme. Our young musicians also proudly took part in the London leg of the global Peace Run 2025. More recently, they received a private concert from talented saxophonist Kaidi A, a previous student at World Heart Beat, who then went on to perform in his ‘Like in Dreams Album’ Launch. Kaidi is also the subject of a new documentary, How Music Changes Lives, produced by Chocolate Films as part of their ‘1000 Londoners’ series. The short film follows Kaidi’s journey as a musician and his formative years with World Heart Beat – don’t forget to check it out! 

 In June, we were thrilled to see our talented student Josiah W feature in Channel 4’s acclaimed series The Piano. Josiah has been a student at World Heart Beat for several years, as well as at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy, and studies with our Head of Piano, M Csányi-Wills. He loves Chopin. He performed brilliantly and really captured the nation’s heart; we are looking forward to seeing him perform on Saturday 19 July. Josiah is inviting a very talented special guest, fellow contestant on The Piano – Anisa, to perform a short opening set. 

In mid June, we hosted Planet Harmony: Music, Nature, and the pulse of the Earth at Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF). The programme inspires an understanding and appreciation of how energy, sound, and the natural world are deeply intertwined. The festival featured performances, Solar Panel Making and Sonic Levitation workshops (in partnership with the University of Sussex and Siena) and a café concert featuring original songs and performances from local songwriters and young musicians. 

To end our summer term, we held our annual special double bill, our much-loved 51st State Band, established by our founder Sahana, and our 51st State Big Band, celebrating our World Heart Beat‘rising stars of tomorrow’. The performance included a vibrant mix of jazz, rock, soul, and film scores as well as joyful performances of American concert band music, Duke Ellington big band music and more. Distinguished guest and TV personality Ainsley H presented the concert; it was a joy to listen to and see such bubbling talent and passion from our students! 

Other highlights this term included a masterclass by Charles O at Steinway Hall with two of our students, as well as our involvement in the annual Happy Streets Festival, and Battersea Live at the Bandstand. Both Wandsworth community events provide an opportunity to let our young people really shine on stage! 

Summer Jazz Hang is back! Every summer, young jazz students get together and learn from other talented musicians to help build a truly thriving, global, musical community, in partnership with The Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. So far, they have performed at the Happy Streets Festival as well as concert openers for the Julian Joseph Trio, the Gabrielle Stravelli Quartet concert and World Heart Beat’s annual summer BBQ.

Finally, please do support us by booking our concerts and bringing your friends! You can explore our fantastic programme of jazz, classical and global music concerts here. 

Thank you for your support!