Top-Tier Music Concerts, Cultural Feasts at MUSON Festival 2026
Yinka Olatunbosun
The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) officially unveiled the schedule for the 2026 MUSON Festival during an exclusive press briefing held recently at the iconic La Scala Restaurant inside the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
In a gathering of journalists, arts critics, and cultural stakeholders, the leadership of MUSON announced that this milestone edition celebrates 43 years of the society’s foundation, the 30th anniversary of the annual festival, and 20 years of the MUSON School of Music. Anchored on the theme “Music Sustained,” the multi-disciplinary cultural feast promises ten feature concerts, theatrical productions, and educational symposia designed to celebrate arts, culture, and artistic excellence.
During the briefing with the Chairman, MUSON, Louis Mbanefo SAN last week, the society emphasized its profound interest in promoting classical music as a discipline and a source of youth empowerment. MUSON has an enduring commitment to classical, contemporary, and indigenous Nigerian music without reliance on government funding. Mbanefo highlighted the critical role of corporate sponsors, including Chevron and TotalEnergies EP, alongside private donors, in sustaining Nigeria’s premier art music institution. Mbanefo also made a passionate plea to government authorities to integrate music education into school curricula, noting its proven benefits for child development and national culture.
The festival kicked off with a stylish Festival Brunch at La Scala Hall and Terrace on Sunday, October 25, featuring performances by Yinka Davies, Adeyemi Bobby Benson, and talented MUSON artistes.
On Tuesday, October 27, the official opening ceremony and concert will take place at the Agip Recital Hall, delivering a rich cultural reception and performances.
Jazz enthusiasts can look forward to an evening of live music featuring top jazz performers and special guest appearances, including Made Kuti, at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall on Friday, October 30. A double drama bill directed by acclaimed theatre maker Leke Gbolade will headline the theatrical offerings at Agip Recital Hall, featuring social justice drama Jigida followed by the family comedy Wanted In-Laws.
On Sunday, November 1, the Maestro Walter-Michael Vollhardt will conduct the MUSON Symphony Orchestra in a full orchestral concert at the Agip Recital Hall.
A music-and-technology symposium titled “Collabo” brings together tech innovators and musical artists for a podcast session and panel discussion exploring digital frontiers in creative industries will be held on November 3. On Saturday, November 7, an operatic performance conducted by John Lucien Eclou will be staged at Agip Recital Hall while the next day, the festival concludes with the grand Gala Concert featuring the renowned MUSON Choir, directed by Sir Emeka Nwokedi.
