British Isles Music Festival

28/07/2026

18/07/2026

Only a few hours to go until the BIMF Professors’ Concert!

This evening, our distinguished faculty come together for one of the highlights of this year’s festival, with music by Ravel, Mozart, Vivaldi and Shostakovich.

It is a rare opportunity to hear this extraordinary line-up of internationally renowned orchestral and chamber musicians performing together here in Sherborne.

Tonight, Saturday 18 July
8pm, doors open at 7:45pm
Gransden Hall, The Merritt Centre, Sherborne Girls, DT9 3QN
Adults £10 | Concessions £5 | Under-16s free

Tickets are still available online or at the door. More details at:
https://wegottickets.com/f/24323

15/07/2026

| As the British Isles Music Festival begins today, we introduce the musician whose vision and dedication to young artists have shaped BIMF from the very beginning: our Founder and Artistic Director, Susan Milan.

Susan is one of Britain’s most distinguished flautists with a career spanning orchestral playing, solo performance, chamber music, recording and education. A pioneering figure for women in the profession, she became the first female member and Principal Flute of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the first woman to perform as Principal Flute with the London Symphony Orchestra and the first female flute professor at the Royal College of Music.

Her orchestral career has also included positions with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta and Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, alongside appearances as guest principal with leading ensembles. As a soloist, she has toured internationally and performed with orchestras including the English Chamber Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and Lucerne Festival Strings.

Susan’s extensive discography began with the Mozart Flute Concertos, recorded with the English Chamber Orchestra under Raymond Leppard, and developed through a nine-disc recording contract with Chandos. A passionate advocate for contemporary music, she has inspired, commissioned and premiered works by composers including Richard Rodney Bennett, Robert Simpson, Jindřich Feld, Ole Schmidt, Cecilia McDowall, Douglas Weiland and Carl Davis.

Education has remained central to Susan’s musical life. She joined the faculty of the Royal College of Music in 1984 and was awarded a Fellowship of the College in 2002. Through decades of teaching, masterclasses and international courses, she has guided generations of young flautists towards successful careers in orchestras, chamber ensembles, teaching and performance around the world.

Her commitment to chamber music and musical mentorship led her to establish the British Isles Music Festival: a place where young musicians can explore repertoire, develop their artistry, learn from experienced performers and discover the unique joy of making music together.

03/07/2026

Why chamber music? Because chamber music is about much more than playing your own part. 🎶

It asks musicians to listen closely, respond instinctively, communicate without words and shape a shared interpretation together.

At BIMF, every rehearsal becomes a conversation. Participants learn when to lead, when to support and how to build trust within an ensemble, skills that remain valuable far beyond the final concert.

What do you enjoy most about playing chamber music?

02/07/2026

What happens at the British Isles Music Festival? 🎼

Across eight days, talented young musicians from around the world come together to rehearse, explore chamber music and perform a rich variety of repertoire.

For audiences, BIMF offers the opportunity to experience live music throughout the festival, from intimate chamber works to larger ensemble performances. Each concert is shaped by the energy of musicians working closely together, guided by distinguished professional artists and united by a shared love of music.

Whether discovering an unfamiliar piece or hearing a favourite work performed in a fresh way, every concert offers something different. Join us in Sherborne and experience the music as it comes to life.

01/07/2026

The countdown to the British Isles Music Festival 2026 has begun. 🎶

In just two weeks, musicians from around the world will gather in Sherborne for eight days of chamber music, rehearsals, coaching, masterclasses and performances.

Taking place from 14–22 July, BIMF brings together emerging musicians and distinguished faculty in an intensive and inspiring musical environment.

For a glimpse of what lies ahead, selected concert programmes are already available on our website. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or in person at the venue:

https://bimf.org.uk/daily-concerts/