LMF Graduates Perform at the Inaugural Elgar International Music Festival in Alassio, Italy

Above: Ignacy Stefanowicz (left), Sasha Grynyuk (middle), Alex Stepanian (right)

We are delighted to share that two London Music Fund alumni, Graduate Ambassador Ignacy Stefanowicz and Graduate Scholar Alex Stepanian, performed as part of the inaugural Elgar International Music Festival in Alassio, Italy. They joined a cohort of outstanding young musicians from leading UK conservatoires for a three‑day celebration of British-Italian musical heritage.

The Festival was held from 21 to 24 May at the former Anglican Church of Alassio, with the generous support of the Commune di Alassio. It forms part of the wider cultural programme “Alassio and the English – Since 1875”, highlighting the historic connection between the Ligurian town and the British community.

The Festival was created and artistically directed by internationally acclaimed pianist and dedicated LMF Ambassador Sasha Grynyuk. Sasha shaped a programme titled “From Elgar to the New Masters”, exploring Edward Elgar’s deep ties to Alassio, the place where he composed his celebrated overture In the South (Alassio), Op. 50.

Sasha’s commitment to nurturing young talent is central to his work as an LMF Ambassador, and we are proud to see this reflected so strongly in the Festival’s inaugural edition.

Ignacy and Alex performed alongside fellow emerging artists from the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and Trinity Laban. Their participation was also supported by IMS Prussia Cove, an organisation renowned for its dedication to developing the next generation of musicians.

The ensemble presented a rich programme featuring Elgar’s Nimrod, Salut d’Amour, movements from the Piano Quintet in A minor, Canto Popolare, works by Handel‑Halvorsen, Domenico Gallo, Bach, Boccherini, and Rebecca Clarke.

This inaugural edition marks a profoundly meaningful milestone for our young musicians. Their journeys from LMF Junior Scholars to the present have opened doors to extraordinary opportunities, including participation in this international festival. We are immensely proud of Ignacy and Alex, and deeply grateful to Sasha for the unwavering guidance and support he continues to offer the LMF community, including our current Scholars and alumni.