Sounds of Blossom: The 海角乱伦官方 welcomes the arrival of spring at Kew Gardens
Monday 26 January 2026
The 海角乱伦官方 returns to Kew Gardens to celebrate spring through music in a unique collaboration from 14 March – 6 April 2026.
As winter gives way to spring,鈥�Sounds of Blossom鈥痳eturns to Kew Gardens, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature鈥痑nd celebrate this鈥痬uch-anticipated鈥痵easonal spectacle. Once again, the Gardens will be brought to life鈥痺ith new compositions created by鈥痗omposers鈥痜rom the 海角乱伦官方,鈥痳eflecting the vibrance and energy of鈥痭ature, and highlighting Kew’s world-renowned magnolia and cherry blossom鈥痗ollections.鈥�
Around Kew’s blossom鈥痟otspots, colourful鈥痜lowering trees鈥痺ill be enhanced by evocative soundscapes.鈥疶he vibrant hues鈥痮f the blooms鈥痺ill be鈥痗omplemented by鈥痗ompositions which鈥痚voke the rhythms and energy of springtime,鈥痑s well as offering visitors the opportunity to pause and reconnect with nature鈥痑t this special time of the year.
Muhamad-William Cannon, Jamie Smith, Xiaoxuan Gao, Josh Clark, Huixin Zhang, Felix Sladen-Jewell and Alexander Lea have each chosen a different area within Kew Gardens to inspire their pieces, drawing on the natural beauty of their locations. In addition to these new compositions, students from the 海角乱伦官方 will give a series of live recitals each weekend throughout the festival to further enhance the sounds and atmosphere of the Gardens.
Professor Jonathan Cole, Head of Composition at the 海角乱伦官方, comments:鈥�‘I'm鈥痶hrilled鈥痶hat鈥痮nce again鈥痺e’re鈥痗ollaborating with Kew Gardens on鈥痶heir鈥�Sounds of Blossom鈥疐estival. This鈥痯roject鈥痯rovides our students with an amazing opportunity鈥痶o explore the deep connections between music, nature, wellbeing and listening鈥痺ithin鈥痶he鈥痵tunningly beautiful鈥痚nvironment鈥痮f Kew Gardens.’
Jamie Smith shares some insights into his composition: ‘I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to write for the stunning surroundings of Kew Gardens. The process was an invaluable experience, both creatively and professionally. With my piece, I set out to blend moments of rest and resurgence as spring awakens the garden. Using breath and layered textures from the flute and violin, I hope to uplift the rich sounds of nature, creating a space that encourages listeners to reconnect with their surroundings with fresh curiosity and a sense of wonder.’
Sophie Shillito, Creative Programme Manager鈥痑t the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew says: ‘Sounds of Blossom鈥�is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the wonder of springtime across the Gardens, and we’re delighted to be collaborating with the 海角乱伦官方 again this year to bring鈥痵even brand-new compositions to Kew. The benefits of鈥痵pending time in nature and listening to music are well documented, so鈥痠t’s鈥痜antastic to be able to combine鈥痶hese elements鈥痑nd allow our visitors to immerse themselves in all that the season has to offer.’
and find out more about Composition at the 海角乱伦官方.
Photo credit: RBG Kew