Music@Malling

Founded by the internationally acclaimed musician Thomas Kemp, Music@Malling brings world-class music to historic venues in and around West Malling, Kent.

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, our concerts and outreach engage many people who would not otherwise have access to high-quality arts provision and bring outstanding musicians to people's doorsteps.

Our programmes illuminate the history of music from the Renaissance to the present day: "You have given me so much understanding with the amazing work you do. You have opened this whole world of joy for me, and you're very welcome to quote me on that." Audience Member - Bach + April 2024

Music@Malling has a Spring Concert Series in April and Festival each September. We provide year-round outreach to the local community in nurseries, primary and secondary schools and out-of-school activities designed to inspire creativity and fire the imagination.

In 2025, Music@Malling is working in partnership with local charity, Spadework, who support people with mental disabilities and dementia, underlining our commitment to working with marginalised groups.

Our innovative and groundbreaking programme of concerts mixes historically informed performance with contemporary music and jazz.

In 2025, featured artists include The Marian Consort; Steven Devine (harpsichord), The Telling; Fidelio Trio, Chamber Domaine, and Thomas Kemp (conductor).

Featured composers include Hildegard of Bingen, Bach, Mendelssohn, Fanny Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Brahms, plus new music by Deborah Pritchard, Stevie Wishart, Dani Howard, Brian Elias, David Laing, Zöe Martlew, Kerry Andrew, Joy Nkomo and Cheryl Frances-Hoad.

Music@Malling has a partnership with the National Trust and explores the history of its buildings through music. In 2025, this includes exploring the links between Ightham Mote and the Mendelssohns using an 1830 Stodart piano that is associated with Felix Mendelssohn and 19th-century contralto Mary Postans, whose collection is held at Ightham.

Old and new; historic buildings; fascinating cultural history; talks; brilliant performers; composers; and outreach engage people from the local community and beyond. Our events were recently in The Guardian's annual Top Ten Operas and Concerts.

"Metaphysical brilliance...a colossal achievement...effortless and joyous playing meeting with an equally joyous audience response." The Artsdesk***** Chamber Domaine/Thomas Kemp/Steven Devine - Six Brandenburgs: Six Commissions - April, 2022