By Lottie Parsons | Marketing and PR
Hello,
What a wonderful few months it’s been for World Heart Beat. From the joyous community performances and the buzz of a new academic year to recognition through award nominations, our young people and tutors have truly been shining.
We are delighted to share that our Founder, Sahana Gero and World Heart Beat have been nominated for a Wandsworth Civic Award for Culture, recognising her contribution to the community. We were also shortlisted for the APPG Jazz Parliamentary Award for Best Jazz Educator – a testament to the dedication of our students and staff, and we were delighted to host the awards at Embassy Gardens.
In August, World Heart Beat musicians joined the line-up for Battersea Park in Concert 2025 to support the Jools Holland Band. They performed a tribute to Evelyn Dove, arranged by our own Ayo Vincent. Dove was a local woman and a pioneering British jazz singer, actress, and trailblazer who broke barriers in the 1920s and beyond. She made history as the first Black women to record and be regularly featured by the BBC. We are delighted to bring this project to Embassy Gardens in November as a Double Bill with Danny Piers (see below for more).
September had some wonderful student performances and a vibrant start to the academic year at Kimber Road and Embassy Gardens. Our Latin Band, Latino Corazón, led by Omar Puente, performed at ASTOR Hostels and the National Liberal Club, Whitehall, for the Columbian Embassy, bringing their infectious energy and rhythm to new audiences. They also performed at the Battersea Community Festival alongside our Gig Bands and New Orleans Second Line Band, who led the parade to open the event.
At Kimber Road, our annual ‘Learn to Play’ day welcomed 114 visitors, with families trying instruments, meeting tutors and discovering – a day full of joy and fun. Meanwhile, students from our Arco Academy partnership, a school supporting young people with emotional and special educational needs – enjoyed a special visit and performance at their school of the contemporary opera ‘Infinitesimal’, which premiered at WHB earlier this month.
Finally, we also thoughtwe’d share what a lovely day we had in September when the entire Kanneh-Mason family made a visit to our studios and hung out with our team. Musical friends really are the best.
With best wishes, World Heart Beat
What’s On: Autumn Concert Season
There’s so much to look forward to this autumn at Embassy Gardens, with an exciting range of concerts and performances.
Our new ‘Season of the Song’ opened in October, celebrating the power of voice across cultures and genres. Highlights yet to come include ‘Operation Forest’, led by WHB alumnaand Istanbul-born singer Çigdem Aslan.
We’re also proud to stage an outstanding programme of 12 concerts as part of this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival, featuring students, emerging artists and international guests. Don’t miss Julian Joseph’s launch of his new album ‘Voyage of the Faithful’, on 15 November.
Dates for Your Diary
Friday 7 November: Operation Forest
Led by WHB alumna, amesmerising blend of jazz and contemporary soundscapes. Join us for a drink in the café pre-show.
Thursday 13 November: Season of the Song Fundraising Supper
An intimate evening of music and dinner in support of World Heart Beat’s work with young people, to raise funds to give the gift of free music tuition to children. Book online or email lottie@worldheartbeat.org.
Tuesday 19 November: Evelyn Dove: A Tribute
A celebration of pioneering Black British performer Evelyn Dove, led by WHB faculty, and featuring WHB emerging artists. Supported by Danny Piers Trio.
Sunday 16 November: 606 Club (lunchtime)
We return for our annual ‘Together We Go Forward’ concert, part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, with our partner the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy. Enjoy lunch and some fabulous jazz from students from both academies. Ticket bookings via the 606 Club.
9 December: Christmas Community Concert from 6pm
A joyful seasonal celebration with carols, mince pies and a heart-warming student concert.
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