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 around outreach to the local community in nurseries, primary and secondary schools and out of school activities designed to inspire creativity and fire the imagination.

Our innovative and ground-breaking programme of concerts mixes historically informed performance with contemporary music and jazz.

In 2024, featured artists include The Marian Consort; Steven Devine - harpsichord; Bojan Cicic - violin; Sholto Kynoch - piano; Alessandro Fisher - tenor; Fretwork; Susan Bickley - mezzo-soprano; Thomas Kemp - conductor and Mark Padmore CBE - tenor.

Featured composers include Purcell, Bach, Gibbons, Byrd, Schubert and Brahms plus new music by Deborah Pritchard, Stevie Wishart, Gavin Bryars, Brian Elias, Sir George Benjamin, John Woolrich, Stephen McNeff and Alec Roth.

Music@Malling have a partnership with the National Trust and explore the history of its buildings through music. In 2024, this includes exploring the links between Ightham Mote, the Müller family and Franz Schubert - using an 1830 Stodart piano that is associated with Felix Mendelssohn and 19th century contralto Mary Postans, who lived in Kent.

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