Wimbledon International Music Festival 2026

The Big Give's Arts for Impact

We are excited to be taking part in the 2026 Big Give Arts for Impact campaign. Arts for Impact is a match funding campaign developed to support arts and culture organisations making a transformational difference in their communities.

We are aiming to raise a total of £4,500 to support our Schools’ Concerts at the New Wimbledon Theatre, in collaboration with Merton Music Foundation. Every donation made via the Big Give from midday on 17 March to midday on 24 March up to £2,250 will be doubled until we reach our goal amount.

Our Schools’ Concerts take 1,600 children from Merton into the New Wimbledon Theatre, where many will be having their first experience of sitting in a professional theatre, watching professional classical musicians perform, and learning about classical music in an engaging way. This year, we will be introducing children to opera – the art of telling stories through song.

The performances are the culmination of an interactive educational process; in the weeks and months leading up to the day itself, we give their classroom teachers materials to support their pupils’ learning, and to prepare them for participation in the live performance at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Thanks to the Merton Music Foundation, participating pupils are selected from schools with higher proportions of free school meals and SEND.

To donate, visit our page on The Big Give between midday on Tuesday 17 to Tuesday 24 March or visit the link below to pledge your support now. No matter the size, your gift will make twice the difference.

Pledge Your Support Now

In Memoriam - Alfred Brendel

In memoriam Alfred Brendel, 1931-2025, Patron of Wimbledon International Music Festival. A tribute from the Festival’s Founder and former Artistic Director, Anthony Wilkinson:

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Alfred Brendel KBE, who so generously gave his name and prestige to the Festival as Patron from its inception.

For me his gift was to bring us into a dialogue with the music of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt… as if the composer was in a conversation directly with us; also his ability to make the piano rich in instrumental colours essentially “just by thinking of them.”

I also loved the twinkle in his eye that could transform his face. A memorable moment in the history of the festival was his lecture-recital on ‘Humour in Music’, and demonstrating how one could set an infectious mood and playful context just by how one sat at the instrument with the slightest of glances towards the audience.

There is nothing that can replace the spontaneity and emotion of a live performance, but Alfred Brendel’s memory and influence will live on through his many sublime recordings.

Anthony Wilkinson

About the Festival

Wimbledon International Music Festival brings world-class music to the heart of South West London every November, offering an inspiring programme of concerts, talks and workshops for audiences of all ages.

Across three weeks, leading international artists, rising stars, and local musicians come together in a celebration of both excellence and community. From full-length evening concerts to late-night events, short recitals, and family-friendly performances, the Festival spans classical, jazz and folk – offering something for everyone.

Events take place in a range of local venues, from concert halls, theatres and churches to schools and community spaces, as well as wine bars and pubs. Our aim is to make exceptional music accessible, intimate, and relevant – right on people’s doorsteps.

Founded in 2009, WIMF is also proud to support the next generation of talent through artist development opportunities and education projects in Merton Borough schools. We regularly commission new works and collaborate with international partners to create bold, original productions that reflect the Festival’s adventurous spirit.