LMF 2026 Scholar Graduation at the Royal Academy of Music

Co-founder Richard Morris awarding Nir’el the Raymi Willka Saldaña Rojas Award

On Saturday 21 June, the Royal Academy of Music provided a fitting backdrop for a truly memorable day as LMF welcomed 80 Junior and Senior Scholars for its Summer Playing Day and graduation celebration. Bringing together LMF Scholars, their families, tutors, Mentors and supporters, the event marked both the culmination of years of hard work for the graduating 2022-26 Junior Scholar cohort and the achievements of the 2025-26 Senior Scholars as they prepare for their next exciting steps.

A special highlight of the day was the address from guest speaker Rosanna Ter-Berg, the acclaimed multi-flautist, improviser and creative collaborator, known for her versatility across classical, contemporary, avant-guard experimental, pop, rock, Eastern European, latin and folk. Drawing on her own diverse career, Rosanna spoke about the importance of creativity, staying true to yourself, and having the courage to shape a career on your own terms.

The graduation ceremony honoured the achievements of LMF's 2022-26 Junior Scholar cohort. Over the course of the programme, the Junior Scholars have developed musically and personally, making the most of the opportunities provided through their Music Services and LMF events. The graduation ceremony offered a chance to recognise not only their musical accomplishments, but also the dedication and perseverance that have shaped their four-year journey.

The event also celebrated LMF’s graduating 2025-26 Senior Scholars, supported by the KM Foundation. This year, our Senior Scholars participated in a wide range of professional development experiences, including a communications workshop at LinkedIn HQ, a Health and Wellbeing Day at ABRSM, a conducting workshop at St Paul's Cathedral and mentoring opportunities at LMF Playing Days. Of the 25 Senior Scholars supported this year, 16 are progressing to higher education this autumn, with destinations including the Royal College of Music, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

A particularly moving moment came during the presentation of the Raymi Willka Saldaña Rojas Award. Established in memory of Raymi, a talented 2021 LMF Scholar from Music Education Islington who sadly passed away in 2024, the award recognises a young musician who embodies creativity, curiosity, commitment and a willingness to push musical boundaries. This year's recipient was Nir'el, a 13-year-old drum kit player from Hackney Music Service.

Nir'el was recognised for his dedication, enthusiasm, and exceptional commitment to broadening his musical horizons. A valued member of Hackney Music Service, he has performed at major events including the Hackney Empire Gala Concert, the Schools Music Festival in Finsbury Park, the Hackney Schools Music & Dance Festival and the London Symphony Orchestra Discovery Annual Showcase at the Barbican.

Most recently, he represented Classical Meets Jazz on an international visit to Tenerife, performing as part of a musical showcase in partnership with the Escuela de Música in Puerto de la Cruz. His achievements reflect the spirit of creativity and ambition that the award seeks to celebrate.

Music remained at the heart of the day’s celebrations, with the LMF Ensemble performing two works conducted by Spencer Down. The evening concert opened with a stirring performance of A Night on the Bare Mountain and concluded with LMF’s 15th Anniversary Commission, a special collaborative piece co-created with City of London School and LMF Scholars during a day-long workshop in February.

As the graduating Junior Scholars move on to new adventures and Senior Scholars prepare for higher education and the next chapter of their musical journeys, the day provided an opportunity to celebrate not only what they have achieved so far, but also the exciting futures that lie ahead.

Congratulations to all of our graduating Scholars. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished and look forward to watching their musical journeys continue to flourish in the years to come.