At Britten Pears Arts, artistic ambition, collaboration and creativity are at the heart of everything we do. The newly refurbished Britten Pears Building plays a central role in that vision, providing world-class spaces where artists can develop their craft, exchange ideas and perform at the highest level. Together with our wider creative campus, it offers an environment designed to nurture artistic growth and experimentation.

It is from this commitment that the new Summer Academy has emerged. As a key part of our Summer at Snape programme, the Academy will bring exceptional early-career string quartets and pianists to Snape Maltings for two weeks of intensive coaching, masterclasses, performances and creative collaboration.

Led by Ryan Wigglesworth and an outstanding faculty including the Dudok Quartet, James Baillieu, Dame Imogen Cooper, Steven Osborne, Adrian Brendel and Sam Walton the Summer Academy builds on the success and reputation of the Festival Academy while creating a distinctive new opportunity for emerging chamber musicians.

Rebecca Merritt, Head of Artist Development & Artistic Administration, speaks to camera about the Academy, sharing Britten Pears Arts’ vision for the programme and what excites her most about bringing this new opportunity to Snape Maltings. From the inspirational faculty and outstanding young artists to the spirit of creativity and collaboration that defines the Academy, Rebecca offers an insider's perspective on why this programme represents an exciting new chapter in Britten Pears Arts' commitment to nurturing the next generation of musical talent.

Whether attending a concert, observing a masterclass or following the journeys of these emerging artists, audiences will have the chance to experience first-hand the energy, ambition and discovery that make Summer at Snape such a distinctive celebration of music-making.