Performers of Morley Festival 2026
Introducing the Performers of Morley Festival 2026 – a five-week celebration of music, dance, drama and performance running from 26 February to 28 March 2026 at Chelsea London’s Waterloo Centre for Adult Education.
The festival will showcase internationally recognised artists, Morley alumni, expert tutors and current students across a wide programme of performances, masterclasses, Penny Lectures and workshops.
Many of the events will take place in Morley’s newly modernised Emma Cons Hall, and in the iconic Holst Room, with pop-up events across Waterloo.
The Performers of Morley Festival 2026 shines a spotlight on Morley’s unique role as a training ground for performers at every stage of life and their careers – from beginners discovering a new passion to professional artists.
Penny Lectures
At the centrepiece of the Festival are four fabulous Penny Lectures – a tradition dating back to 1882. The lectures are free to attend. Donations are much appreciated.

Penny Lecture: blogger and author Jack Chesher
Blogger and author Jack Chesher shares new London curiosities and hidden gems in a special Penny Lecture, exploring the city’s rich history through his latest book and popular Living London History platform.
Thursday 26 February, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, Waterloo Centre

Penny Lecture: Angela Rippon – Desert Island Discs – a lifetime in dance
Broadcaster Angela Rippon’s reveals her passion for dance – from her memorable cameo on Morecambe and Wise in 1976 to the creation of the Let’s Dance movement.
Monday 2 March, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, Waterloo Centre

Penny Lecture: Johnny Harris – BAFTA Nominee – Screen Acting Masterclass
Join BAFTA nominated actor and Morley alum Johnny Harris for a free Penny Lecture masterclass exploring his journey from Morley to major screen roles, offering practical screen acting insights, onset experiences, preparation techniques, inspirations, and a live audience Q&A.
Friday 6 March, 6:00pm, Waterloo Centre
Classical Music

Penny Lecture: It’s a Mystery! With Tim Benzie
Tim Benzie’s It’s a Mystery! is a funny, heartfelt one‑man exploration of why murder mysteries captivate us. Tracing his lifelong love of the genre, he links personal stories, pop‑culture obsessions and detective characters in a lively show followed by a Q&A. Age 16+.
Tuesday 17 March, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, Waterloo Centre

Piano Duets
Ten accomplished pianists studying at Chelsea London play inspiring and moving classical duets to brighten your Friday afternoon – as London heads home for the weekend.
Friday 6 March, 4.30pm – 5.30pm,

Masterclass: Nikos Stavlas – Inside the Art of Piano Performance
Join acclaimed pianist and former Morley tutor Nikos Stavlas for an in‑depth masterclass offering personalised coaching for six performers, with observers welcome. Explore interpretation and technique with an internationally experienced concert artist, educator, and ensemble collaborator in this rare, immersive learning opportunity
Friday 13 March, 11:00am – 5:00pm, Waterloo Centre

Chamber Orchestra Concert – Classical Brilliance: Mozart and Mendelssohn
Experience Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 with pianist Maria Canyigueral and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1 performed by the Morley Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Charles Peebles. A vibrant evening of Classical brilliance and Romantic energy at Emma Cons Hall.
Thursday 19 March, 7:30pm – 9:00pm, Waterloo Centre

Her Soundworlds: Voices of Women in Chamber Music
Celebrate International Women’s Month with an inspiring evening of chamber music and solo piano works by outstanding women composers. The programme features the lyrical poetry of Clara Schumann, the radiant impressionism of Lili Boulanger, the bold modernist voice of Elisabeth Lutyens, and the rich, expressive chamber writing of Rebecca Clarke.
Friday 20 March, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Waterloo Centre
Lunchtime Concerts
Experience free vibrant lunchtime concerts showcasing accomplished Morley students. Piano concerts, chamber music and choral performances hosted in the inspiring Holst Music Room.

Lunchtime concert: Piano Recital
A piano recital performed by students of the Advanced Piano Performers course taught by Dimitris Karydis
Tuesday 3 March, 1:05pm – 2:00pm, Waterloo Centre

Lunchtime concert: Chamber Music Recital
Enjoy a chamber music performed by students of the Chamber Performers Group, coached by Petros Moschos
Tuesday 10 March, 1:05pm – 2:00pm, Waterloo Centre

Lunchtime concert: Piano Recital
A piano recital performed by students of the Advanced Piano Masterclass course taught by Martino Tirimo
Tuesday 17 March, 1:05pm – 2:00pm, Waterloo Centre

Lunchtime concert: Chamber Music Recital
A chamber music recital performed by students the Advanced Chamber Music & Piano Accompaniment course, taught by Kate Ryder
Tuesday 24 March, 1:05pm – 2:00pm, Waterloo Centre

Lunchtime concert: The Meridian Choir
Join the Morley Meridian Choir for a relaxed and uplifting lunchtime concert showcasing a varied programme of choral music.
Friday 27 March, 1:05pm – 2:00pm, Waterloo Centre
Dance


Body of People (BOP): Jazz in Motion and Dance Spectacular
Experience an energising evening of jazz theatre and modern dance with Body of People (BOP), featuring two dynamic performances, followed by a Q&A with creators Dollie Henry MBE and Paul Jenkins. There will also be a special piano and dance performance by our esteemed Morley dance tutors.
Photo – © Foteini Christofilopoulou.
Friday 13 March, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Waterloo Centre
Jazz

Masterclass: »¨½·Ö±²¥ Jazz Orchestra – Open Rehearsal
An informal open rehearsal offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at the »¨½·Ö±²¥ Jazz Orchestra. Visitors can observe the ensemble’s creative process and enjoy a programme of original works and contemporary arrangements. This will be an inspiring event for jazz fans, prospective students, and curious audiences alike.
Saturday 7 March, 11:00am – 12:00pm, Waterloo Centre

Masterclass: Developing Rhythmic Awareness & Time‑Feel for Creative Music‑Making
A practical workshop exploring pulse, subdivision and groove through konnakol and samba‑influenced rhythm work. Led by Morley’s Jazz curriculum lead Flavio Li Vigni, it helps musicians of all levels build timing, confidence and creativity through vocalising, movement and coordination exercises to enhance musical expression and creativity.
Wednesday 18 March, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, Waterloo Centre
The Morley Big Band plus special performances by Morley Tutors’ Ensembles

Join us for a special evening with the Morley Big Band, featuring guest appearances from Morley tutors, plus exciting performances by small ensembles from our jazz faculty. An evening of music not to be missed!
Wednesday 25 March, 7:30pm – 9:30pm, Waterloo Centre
Opera


Opera Scenes – On A Ghostly Theme
A showcase of opera scenes inspired by ghostly tales, featuring works by Humperdinck, Menotti, Holst, Verdi, Offenbach and Britten. Highlights include music from The Turn of the Screw, and Holst’s ³§Äå±¹¾±³Ù°ù¾±. A magical evening of storytelling and supernatural drama by Morley students.
Friday 27 March (7:00pm – 9:00pm) and Saturday 28 March (3.00pm – 5.00pm), Waterloo Centre
Pop

Masterclass: Learn to DJ
Join DJ tutor Femi Akinyemi for a beginner friendly, handson masterclass workshop exploring DJ equipment, software like Serato and Rekordbox, and core techniques from beatmatching to EQ. Bring your favourite tracks and learn the skills and creativity needed to start mixing with confidence.
Saturday 14 March, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Waterloo Centre

Selfish Jean – The band that started it all
Enjoy an evening of live music as Selfish Jean, born from Morley’s first Rock and Pop Band course, returns to the stage alongside Morleyconnected acts. Celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the vibrant Morley music community at the Temple of Art and Music.
Friday 20 March, 7:30pm – 9:00pm, Temple of Arts Music

Sound Art: I Am Sitting in a Hall
Explore Alvin Lucier’s I Am Sitting in a Room, a sound‑art work revealing how every space shapes sound through its unique acoustics. Participate in a new version created for the refurbished Emma Cons Hall, no experience needed, just curiosity about voice, resonance, and space.
Saturday 14 March, 7:30pm – 9:00pm, Waterloo Centre

Anyone Can Sing Choir and Soloists
Have you ever thought about joining a singing group but worried you needed special skills? Then you haven’t met the Anyone Can Sing Choir from »¨½·Ö±²¥! This welcoming community of amateur singers proves that every voice has something beautiful to offer.
Saturday 21 March, 12:00pm – 2:00pm, Elephant Park London
Documentary

Documentary – The »¨½·Ö±²¥ Story
The screening of a new short documentary about the creation of Morley’s Centre for Adult Education,
61 Westminster Bridge Road SE1. »¨½·Ö±²¥ started life over 135 years ago in the backrooms
of the famous Old Vic Theatre in Waterloo. Followed by Q+A.
Thursday 26th March, Holst Room, 1:05pm – 1.45pm