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London’s iconic Ronnie Scott\u2019s Jazz Club is to open\u00a0Upstairs at Ronnie\u2019s<\/em> in February 2026. Following the closure of its upstairs space in 2024, the area has been transformed into a purpose-built, 140-capacity music venue, complete with upgraded stage and enhanced acoustics.<\/p>\n The launch of Upstairs at Ronnie\u2019s<\/em> includes the club\u2019s first-ever regular weekly classical night, taking place every Monday with early and late sessions (6.30pm and 9.30pm). <\/p>\n Curated jointly by violinist, vocalist and producer\u00a0Lizzie Ball\u00a0<\/strong>and Ronnie Scott\u2019s artistic director and pianist\u00a0James Pearson, the classical series will feature the Ronnie Scott\u2019s Classical All Stars\u00a0\u2013 a seven-piece ensemble directed by Pearson and including Ball,\u00a0Shlomy Dobrinsky\u00a0(violin),\u00a0Megan Cassidy\u00a0(viola), Gabriella Swallow\u00a0(cello),\u00a0Jon Shenoy\u00a0(clarinet\/flute\/saxophone), Callum Au\u00a0(trombone\/horn) and\u00a0James Turner\u00a0(percussion).\u00a0<\/p>\n The ensemble will ‘reimagine orchestral and symphonic favourites for a chamber-sized ensemble’. Included during their first season will be Gershwin<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s\u00a0Rhapsody in Blue<\/a><\/strong><\/em>,\u00a0<\/em>Rachmaninov<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s\u00a0Piano Concerto No. 2<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/em>Vaughan Williams<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s\u00a0The Lark Ascending<\/a><\/strong><\/em>, Mozart<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s\u00a0Eine Kleine Nachtmusik<\/em> and scores from Hollywood\u2019s Golden Age.<\/p>\n The new classical series will also feature Ball’s ‘Classical Kicks’, showcasing music by Piazzolla<\/a><\/strong>, Bart\u00f3k<\/a><\/strong> and Gershwin, and ‘Close Up Classical’ \u2013 evenings of music and conversation with actors, musicians and cultural figures, including actress\u00a0Juliet Stevenson\u00a0(23 February),\u00a0film composer\u00a0David Arnold\u00a0(9 March) and\u00a0author Harriet Constable\u00a0(23 March). Plus, there will be appearances from Chineke!<\/a><\/strong> (6 April), violinist\u00a0Elena Urioste<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and pianist\u00a0Tom Poster (20 April), and The King\u2019s Singers<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0(27 April). <\/p>\n ‘Our vision is to create a classical series that feels as alive and accessible as Ronnie\u2019s itself. We want to showcase the very best chamber and solo music, reimagine orchestral favourites for an intimate setting, and collaborate with leading artists across genres.<\/p>\n ‘Bringing classical music into a venue best known for jazz opens it up to new audiences, and the energy of a jazz club combined with classical performance is something truly unique. Ronnie\u2019s has always been about world-class music, and the club has deep classical connections, from John Williams and Nigel Kennedy to Hendrix\u2019s last gig, so classical is a natural fit here.<\/p>\n ‘We hope Ronnie would be proud of this new venture, which is very much in the spirit of the club: you never know who you\u2019ll see.’<\/p>\nClassical music at Ronnie Scott’s<\/h4>\n
Ronnie Scott’s Lizzie Ball and James Pearson comment:\u00a0<\/h4>\n