Fantasia Orchestra has announced its full summer 2026 programme, culminating in a return to the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall as part of its tenth anniversary celebrations.
Founded in 2016 by conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh, the orchestra has built a reputation for collaborative, boundary‑crossing programming and will return to the Proms in August 2026 following its acclaimed debut in 2024.
Two performances are scheduled at the Royal Albert Hall, beginning with a Relaxed Prom on Sunday 9 August, performed with the BBC Singers.
That programme will feature music by Dvořák, Vaughan Williams and Caroline Shaw, alongside arrangements of Radiohead and Duke Ellington.
Fantasia returns two days later for a Late Night Prom on Tuesday 11 August, again with the BBC Singers, joined by percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.
The Late Night Prom will include the world premiere of Wood Pigeon, a new BBC commission by French-born soprano-composer and multi-instrumentalist Héloïse Werner.
That programme also features music by Meredith Monk, Morton Feldman and John Coltrane, marking the 100th anniversaries of Coltrane and Feldman in 2026.
The Proms performances form part of a wide-ranging summer season that also includes major UK festivals and the conclusion of Fantasia Orchestra’s inaugural residency at Smith Square Hall.
The Smith Square Hall residency continues with Bold Moves on Friday 29 May with pianist Steven Osborne, followed by From Mahler to Manhattan on Friday 3 July featuring mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan.
Fantasia Orchestra will also appear at Proms at St Jude’s, Cheltenham Music Festival, Guiting Music Festival and Snape Festival across the summer months.
Artistic Director Tom Fetherstonhaugh said: “Fantasia’s tenth anniversary feels like a moment to reflect on just how far we’ve come, from a group of school friends making music together to performing on some of the UK’s biggest stages and approaching classical music with a fresh perspective.”
He added: “Returning to the BBC Proms is incredibly special for us, and a real highlight of this anniversary year.”
Executive Director Michael Garvey said: “What defines Fantasia Orchestra is the way each project is built from the ground up. Every concert is shaped by the artists involved and the music they want to explore, rather than following a set formula.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
