The London venue has voluntarily withdrawn from the Arts Council England portfolio, following successful fundraising of £10 million two years ahead of schedule
Wigmore Hall has announced the star musicians of its upcoming 125th anniversary season, as the London venue announces it has raised £10 million ahead of schedule to become financially self-sufficient.
It has now voluntarily withdrawn from the Arts Council England (ACE) portfolio, from which it currently receives £344,206 annually.
Wigmore Hall’s Director’s Fund, spearheaded by John Gilhooly, aimed to reach its target of £10 million by 2027, but secured funds early. Additionally, the venue will receive £500,000 from the AKO Foundation, which underpins Wigmore Hall’s ‘£5 Tickets for Under 35s’ scheme for the next five years.
‘This landmark anniversary season celebrates Wigmore Hall’s heritage while looking firmly to the future,’ said Gilhooly.
’The financial security provided by the Director’s Fund will allow us to remain artistically ambitious for years to come, ensuring that Wigmore Hall continues to be a vital and independent force in the musical life of the UK and beyond.
’We are deeply grateful to music lovers at home and abroad who so faithfully support our work. I am encouraged by the government’s recent commitment to getting the arts back on the curriculum.’
Numerous star string players will feature in the 2025/26 season. These include violinists Christian Tetzlaff, Midori, Alina Ibragimova, Joshua Bell, Isabelle Faust, Hilary Hahn, and Leonidas Kavakos.
Cellist Alban Gerhardt presents Bach’s complete Cello Suites in May, and there will also be cello performances from Steven Isserlis, Pieter Wispelwey and others.
The Kanneh-Mason family will feature, as well as the Belcea Quartet with soprano Barbara Hannigan for a performance of Schoenberg’s Second String Quartet.
The season will also feature two complete Beethoven String Quartet cycles with the Elias Quartet spanning the season and Quatuor Ébène extending over two. The Takács Quartet, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, performs Mozart’s string quintets in October with violist Timothy Ridout.
The Leonkoro Quartet, winners of the 2022 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, performs across the season in four concerts.
A Rebecca Clarke Focus Day in November highlights the composer and violist’s legacy, with mezzo-soprano Kitty Whately and soprano Ailish Tynan presenting her songs, including several world premières.
Scholars Leah Broad, Christopher Johnson, and Natasha Loges provide insight into Clarke’s pioneering achievements, including her role as one of the first women to join a professional British orchestra. The day culminates in a special concert marking 100 years since Clarke’s own Wigmore Hall debut in 1925.
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