Concerts & Events

On Saturday 30th May International Flamenco Company Cancion Gitana will present a very special one off performance of its acclaimed show  "Picasso, his Life and Loves" at West Sussex Guitar Club in Bognor in memory of Sasha Levtov with all proceeds going to found a guitar bursary in honour of his lifelong work in promoting music and especially, the guitar.

Cancion Gitana have created a unique biography of the long, extraordinary, life of this remarkable artist, a story told in dance, guitar, song, poetry, film and, of course, many many images.

Join us for a wine and cheese evening to celebrate the launch of the 2026 Summer Festival.

This event is exclusively for the Friends of the Regis School of Music.

Featuring the vocal talents of Stephanie Peat (mezzo-soprano), Rebecca Grove (soprano) and Charlie Wood (tenor), accompanied by Peter Allwood. The trio has sung together for many years and present a wonderful mix of classical and contemporary music.

A special Summer Festival screening of a sumptuous 1999 film adaptation of Pushkin's classic novel, starring Ralph Fiennes and Liv Tyler. A tale of love, pride and regret set against the sweeping landscapes of 19th-century Russia.

Join us for a stunning afternoon of joyous choral works with the acclaimed St Albans Chamber Choir, under the baton of John Gibbons.

The West Sussex Guitar Orchestra, directed by Linda Kelsall-Barnett, is joined by special guest soloists including Amanda Cook and Sam Brown to dedicate an evening of classical guitar to Sasha Levtov, founder of the West Sussex Guitar Club, in the wonderful acoustic of St John’s Chapel.

Renowned classical guitarists Amanda Cook and Sam Brown are both former students of Sasha Levtov and each began their career with the West Sussex Guitar Club, which he founded in 1993. Sasha sadly passed away in 2025 but he has left a wonderful legacy for the guitar. Come and listen to the guitar in ensemble, duo and solo in an eclectic mix of atmospheric, well-loved repertoire.

Proceeds to go towards the West Sussex Guitar Club so that we can continue Sasha’s work in promoting the guitar and its music to a new audience and to also encourage people of all ages to learn to play and to perform.

Acclaimed harpist Alex Rider presents an evening recital as part of the 2026 Summer Festival. A guest tutor at Royal Academy of Music and graduate of Guildhall, and in demand as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player, Rider is known for his affinity with French music of the belle époque, often performing on a 1902 Erard harp. His debut recording Fresque Marine features rare French works for the instrument.

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) [arr.Rider]
From Six épigraphes antiques, L. 131
i.) Pour invoquer Pan, dieu du vent d'été
iv.) Pour la danseuse aux crotales

André Caplet (1870-1925)
Divertissements
I.) à la française
II.) à l’espagnol

Henriette Renié (1875-1956)
Promenade matinale: Deux pièces pour harpe
I.) Au loin, dans la verdure, la mer calme et mystérieuse
II.)Dans la campagne ensoleilée, la rosée scintille

__ INTERVAL__

Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Piece « Eleonora »
Prelude

Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Suite in G major z.660
(Prelude- Almand- Corant- Minuet)

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Suite for Harp op.83
(Overture- Toccata- Nocturne - Fugue-Hymn)

Join us for a delightful festival event celebrating our hard working, talented students performing pieces accompanied by their own artwork, illustrating their piece. Their performances will be adjudicated and feedback given to the performer, along with a commemorative medal and certificate.

This is an educational event that helps build valuable performing experience. Application forms will be available shortly.

Details of the adjudicator will be released shortly.

This event is generously supported by the Terry Armitstead Legacy and is held in his honour.

An exclusive, Friends of the RSM event featuring a compilation of all Summer Festival events, and another opportunity to share and celebrate the artwork produced for the festival, our love of music and our musical community.

The Regis School of Music's end-of-term celebration, featuring performances from students of all ages and abilities showcasing the progress made throughout the year, including the inaugral performance of the RSM Community String Orchestra in the 5pm performance.

Members of the club perform a wide selection of music for each other and guests.

We are thrilled to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Regis School of Music with a truly special evening in the company of internationally acclaimed pianist Rustem Hayroudinoff. A beloved artist and cherished friend of the RSM, Rustem’s previous performances for us have left lasting memories, and we are delighted to welcome him back for this landmark celebration.

Praised by Gramophone as “a player in the great Russian virtuoso tradition”, Rustem Hayroudinoff has performed across Europe, the Americas, Japan, China and Russia, appearing with many of the world’s leading orchestras including the BBC Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony and Czech Philharmonic. His acclaimed recordings of the music of Rachmaninoff have earned international recognition, with BBC Music Magazine describing his artistry in the company of legendary pianist Sviatoslav Richter.

Alongside his extraordinary virtuosity, Rustem is renowned for his warmth, charisma and gift for communicating music with audiences in an engaging and accessible way. Whether performing in major international concert halls or speaking from the piano with insight and humour, he brings a rare sense of connection and humanity to every performance.

This anniversary concert promises to be a fitting celebration of thirty years of music-making, community and artistic excellence at the Regis School of Music — an unforgettable evening with one of the most distinguished pianists of his generation.

“Rustem Hayroudinoff proves himself to be a player in the great Russian virtuoso tradition.” - Gramophone

"Even Richter’s celebrated EMI recording must cede to this outstanding newcomer.” - Classic FM Magazine

**Mario Bakuna** is a Brazilian composer, arranger, vocalist, and guitarist, bringing over 25 years of musical artistry to audiences worldwide, currently based in London, UK. Well known for his deep exploration of traditional Brazilian rhythms, samba, jazz, and bossa nova, Mario captures the spirit of Brazilian swing, blending it with refined jazz colours in both his original compositions and fresh arrangements of works by iconic artists such as Tom Jobim, Dorival Caymmi, Paulo Moura, and João Donato.

Since moving to Europe to deepen his artistic research and expand his horizons, Mario has become a prominent figure in the UK’s Brazilian jazz scene, a key reference for the fusion of Brazilian music and contemporary jazz. His captivating performances have taken him far beyond London, with tours across more than 20 European countries, as well as Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kaliningrad, and Taiwan. Over the years, he has built a distinctive international career, enchanting audiences in both intimate jazz clubs and on grand festival stages around the world. From performing for 3,000 people in Azerbaijan and 7,000 in Kaliningrad to achieving a record audience of 150,000 people at the Taichung Jazz Festival in Taiwan, Mario has reached milestones that reflect the universal appeal and emotional depth of his performances.

Driven by a passion for musical exploration, Mario has collaborated with artists including Jean Toussaint, Alain Jean-Marie, Liam Noble, Edmundo Carneiro, Guinga, Cacau Queiroz, Ricardo dos Santos, Daniel Jobim, Nelson Ayres, Robertinho Silva, and Filó Machado.

His acclaimed albums Where Rio de Janeiro Meets Bahia and Brazilian Landscapes showcase his ability to fuse traditional roots with a contemporary musical sensibility. With sold-out concerts, glowing reviews, and growing international recognition, Mario Bakuna continues to celebrate and expand the language of Brazilian jazz, bringing its rhythm, warmth, and sophistication to audiences around the globe.

In her latest musical offering, the international chanteuse Sam Chara performs her unique tribute to the legendary Edith Piaf.

Accompanied by pianist/accordionist Tim Lee Young and double bassist Steve Sandiford, Sam tells a story with each song.

Experience the voice, the emotion, the laughter and the tears.

William Jack is an Australian multi-style cellist and songwriter, based in London. He is best known for incorporating his jazz guitar background into an unconventional style of cello playing, with a passion for breaking boundaries between genres and cultures. His music transitions seamlessly from virtuosic folk & bluegrass compositions, to non-Western sound worlds.

Since his classical studies in Vienna, William has forged his own cello pathway, touring Europe, Australia and the UK extensively. He has recently performed his solo compositions from his album collection ‘This Old Cello Box’ live on BBC Radio 3 at the Edinburgh Fringe and was selected to perform as a ‘New Folk’ songwriter at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. William received the best music award at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe. He has been fortunate to work with numerous world-renowned artists, both as a session musician and collaborator. William is passionate about redefining the cello possibilities, bringing the instrument into exciting new territories.

“A master of unconventional cello playing” – GLAM Adelaide

“Specialist in all styles” – The Clothesline

“Cellopickin’ sensation” – DEBUT UK

“Outstanding, a truly remarkable performance” – BBC Radio 3