Artists down the decades have found space and time for their creativity to soar in this special part of East Suffolk.

For centuries, artists from across the globe – including, of course, our founders – have been drawn to this corner of East Suffolk, captivated by its natural beauty and the sense that here, anything is possible. That same spirit continues to thrive today, as this season brings a wealth of visionary activity that promises to engage, challenge and delight.

The Viola Tunnard Award recognises emerging professional pianists. This year it is held by the French artist Juliette Journaux, who describes it as ‘really special, because it places you in the continuity of generations of female pianists. Viola Tunnard is not only a model as an opera and song pianist, but also a feminist figure’.

Juliette made her Aldeburgh Festival debut this year performing Messiaen, and she returns this November, joined by mezzo-soprano Mathilde Ortscheide for a series of intimate recitals. These performances are particularly thrilling as they will be played on Britten’s own piano, an experience Juliette describes as ‘a treat’. She explains, ‘It’s one of the most inspirational places possible. The Red House’s piano is also an object of excitement: it has an incredibly rich sonority... it sounds like an orchestra!’

Our Residencies programme offers artists a space to develop their ideas in an environment that fosters experimentation. Through Open Sessions, audiences have the chance to witness these creative processes in action, as artists reveal their explorations, many of which will go on to appear at the Aldeburgh Festival or in venues worldwide.

This season, we'll see dance company Thick & Tight with dancer Annie Edwards, as well as composer Ruby Colley, choreographer Richard Pye, and composer An-Ting in collaboration with movement artist Masumi Saito. Thick & Tight speak of their desire for ‘deep connection to nature and access to musical expertise, with time among the reeds studying birdsong’ – a vision perfectly suited to the area of outstanding natural beauty that surrounds Snape. Ruby reflects how Snape offers her the space to ‘explore in a truly supportive environment without high stakes consequences’. The freedom of space and inspiration across our creative campus has been a cornerstone of activity here since the earliest days.

Aldeburgh Young Musicians is an academy that continues Benjamin Britten's legacy, gathering young musical talent from the East of England to engage in wide-ranging musical exploration. Open Sessions feature in their courses too, so we can share in their creative discoveries. As singer Eden reflected on a recent course, ‘it's the most fun I've ever had on stage performing with my friends’. In October, these young musicians will join Riot Ensemble to unravel the complexities of contemporary music, and in November, Pete Letanka will guide them through the vibrant world of jazz. Their boundless enthusiasm for new creative influences make for thrilling, unpredictable performances, keenly awaited by all.

The artistic energy doesn't stop there. This autumn also sees a BBC New Generation Artists weekend, a celebration of some of the world's most promising new talent. The weekend will feature performances from the extraordinary cellist Santiago Cañón Valencia, the innovative Chaos String Quartet, and the vibrant Fergus McCreadie Trio. These three concerts blend South American jazz with Scottish folklore in a dynamic fusion of global influences.

The creative stream continues to flow through our programme. Whether you are drawn to the colours of jazz, the delicate interplay between music and nature, or the collaborative magic of artists at the height of their creativity, there is something for everyone to discover.