Chetham’s International Piano Summer School

Welcome for Adult Amateur Course
2026-08-12 15:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | G06
Come and say hello to other Adult Amateur pianists on the course and to meet Kathryn Page who will answer any questions you may have about the week. You will meet many pianists who are attending for the very first time as well as many ‘regular’ participants. We look forward to getting to know you all during the course, and of course to hearing you play.

Welcome for Piano Teacher Course
2026-08-12 15:30 - 16:30 | Waterhouse
Come and meet course leader Dr Nellie Seng, Associate Dean & Programme Lead (Master of Performance), School of Music – Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.
Join the other participants on the course to find out about the exciting plans for the schedule and to get to know each other a little before the opening recital at 5pm.

Opening Recital - Martin Roscoe
2026-08-12 17:00 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
…Roscoe is a pianist who both thinks and offers full-blooded playing of breadth and depth. In this country, he is an uncommon creature…Daily Telegraph
With an extraordinary career spanning over four decades, Martin Roscoe is unarguably one of the UK’s best loved pianists. Renowned for his versatility at the keyboard, Martin is equally at home in concerto, recital and chamber performances. In an ever more distinguished career, his enduring popularity and the respect in which he is universally held are built on a deeply thoughtful musicianship allied to an easy rapport with audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Schumann Kinderszenen Op.15
Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition
Promenade
Gnomus
Promenade
The Old Castle
Promenade
Tuileries
Bydło
Promenade
Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks
Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuÿle
Promenade
Marketplace at Limoges
Catacombs
The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba‑Yaga)
The Great Gate of Kiev

FREE for summer school participants. General public tickets available here Stoller Hall

25 for 25 - a Jubilee Celebration - part one
2026-08-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Stoller Hall
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of CIPSS we are thrilled to present a stunning anthology of 25 new piano miniatures, written by a galaxy of stars associated with the summer school and Chetham’s. World premiere performances of all 25 pieces will be presented across two recitals during the course.

25 for 25 composers
Gary Carpenter, Les Chisnall, Elena Cobb, Douglas Finch, Adam Gorb, Edward Gregson, Paul Harris, Toby Hession, David Horne, Sir Stephen Hough, Nikki Iles, John Lenehan, Joanna Macgregor, Euan Moseley, Sarah Nicolls, Christopher Norton, Simon Parkin,Jeremy Pike, Emma Ruth Richards, Melanie Spanswick, Ian Stephens, Adam Swayne, Yuanfan Yang, Caroline Wright, Gavin Wayte.
Copies of this extraordinary collection of pieces will be published in a single album by Forsyth and will be available to purchase during all of CIPSS 2026. Proceeds in aid of Help Musicians UK.
Programme
Douglas Finch Elegiac Scene On a Still Lake At Dawn performed by Douglas Finch
Toby Hession Berceuse performed by Toby Hession
Euan Moseley Middle Pedal Blues performed by Murray McLachlan
David Horne Flourishes and Lines performed by David Horne
Gary Carpenter Scherzino performed by Yuanfan Yang
Elena Cobb Tarantella performed by Rose McLachlan
John Lenehan Clouds performed by John Lenehan
Christopher Norton 25, Nearly 26! performed by Jason Rebello
Jeremy Pike Silver Steps performed by Jeremy Pike
Caroline Wright Fantasia on a theme by Bach performed by Soli Nallaseth
Melanie Spanswick Torment (and ode to pianists…) performed by Henry Cash
Gavin Wayte Charybdis Sketch performed by Nellie Seng
Emma-Ruth Richards Silver Slip performed by Callum McLachlan
Yuanfan Yang Prelude in Pop performed by Yuanfan Yang

Welcome reception and late night jazz with Jason Rebello
2026-08-12 21:45 | Oglesby Atrium
Come along to the Atrium bar for a complimentary drink and meet everyone in our 25th year celebrations! Discover why we really are ‘the friendliest piano summer school’!
We are thrilled to announce that Jason Rebello will be performing in the ‘Jazz Room’ – an intimate performance for participants. The Jazz Room will be available every night around 10.30 ’til late for participants to enjoy playing and listening to impromptu jazz. Not to be missed!

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-13 08:15 - 08:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Start your day off with these early morning series of 15 minute group sessions in the Atrium led by founder and artistic director Murray McLachlan. Open to everyone on the course, the sessions will include a variety of ‘bite size’ projects, concepts and exercises relating to piano well-being and mindset as well as glimpses of repertoire. Embrace the unfamiliar! Look at well-loved music from different perspectives! Above all, start your CIPSS day in style with a real sense of positivity, energy and optimistic purpose.

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-13 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
Everyone welcome – come along with a bar, a chord, or any part of a piece that you would like some advice on from a member of the faculty. Tips on fingering, pedaling, phrasing, articulation, voicing etc.
Workshops for Junior pianists are scheduled after this class every day.

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-13 08:45 - 09:30 | Oglesby Atrium
The morning group class for all pianists enrolled on the Junior Course. Inspiration and camaraderie as you learn together, in a supportive and friendly group.

Dalcroze Group Classes
2026-08-13 08:45 - 10:15 | Gym
Discover how to use the body as a tool for musical perception, preparation, and performance.
Experience a liberating and joyful approach to music that will transform your creativity. Dalcroze provides a powerful route to musical expression – and it is also a lot of fun!
We welcome back Alison Wise to take the classes in dalcroze. Please tick the box on the application form to reserve a place in the class.

Teaching session 1
2026-08-13 08:45 - 11:00
The first session for individual lessons. Do pop into any of the teaching rooms to hear lessons given by the outstanding faculty. Everyone will have their own individual schedule for lessons but we have an open door policy for all sessions – an amazing opportunity to learn from observing some of the most respected teachers in the world.

Junior Course 'drop in' practice workshop
2026-08-13 09:30 - 10:15, 2026-08-14 09:30 - 10:15 | G06
Come along with a bar, or a small section for lots of advice and help to take you into your practice room. Stay for 5 minutes or the whole class – so much can be discovered by listening to everyone.

Scales and exercises 'drop in' workshop
2026-08-13 10:15 - 11:00 | G06
New for 2026 a daily class focusing on scales and exercises. These drop in classes are suitable for all levels of pianists.
Discover how daily scale practice unlocks ease and speed, while technical exercises strengthen your playing from the ground up.

Adult Amateur Workshop
2026-08-13 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
Every day a 90 minute workshop for all participants on the Adult Amateur Course. Do come along and play in a supportive atmosphere, with Kathryn Page. Come and play a bar, a phrase or a complete piece. Get help with performance nerves – many participants who thought they would never have the courage to play come back year after year, including some making a recording in Stoller Hall and taking performance diplomas!

Teaching session 2
2026-08-13 11:30 - 13:00
As individual lessons continue apace, take full advantage of the ‘open door’ policy on the summer school.

Lunchtime Recital - Ariel Lanyi
2026-08-13 13:45 - 14:35 | Stoller Hall
The first in the series of lunchtime recitals for 2026.
In March 2023, Ariel Lanyi was honored to receive the Prix Serdang, a Swiss prize awarded by the distinguished Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder. The prize is endowed with CHF 50,000 and is not a competition, but a recognition of a young pianist’s achievements and an investment in their future.
Prior to this, Ariel won 3rd prize at the 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition, performing Brahms Concerto No. 2 with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Andrew Manze in the finals. In the same year, he was a winner of the Young Classical Artists Trust International Auditions.
Current highlights include returns to the Wigmore Hall and to the Miami International Piano Festival, as well as a tour of Asia.
On the concerto platform Ariel has appeared with various orchestras, including the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, Israel Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sinfonia Viva and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
In 2021 Linn Records released his recording of music by Schubert to critical acclaim. His newest recording, Organ Reflections, a recording of piano music inspired by the organ by Mozart, Franck, and Reger, was released to critical acclaim in May 2025 (“…the admirable Lanyi drawing out their many and varied colours superbly” – from a 5-star review from the BBC Music Magazine).
An avid chamber musician, Ariel has attended the Marlboro festival, and has collaborated with eminent musicians such as Maria João Pires, Marina Piccinini, Charles Neidich, Alena Baeva, and Torleif Thedéen.
Recent highlights have included recitals at the Wigmore Hall, Fundacion Juan March in Madrid, Homburg MeisterKonzerte series in Germany, the Grafenegg festival in Austria, the Bravo!Vail festival in Colorado, the Kissinger Festsommer and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern festivals in Germany, Perth Concert Hall (broadcast by BBC Radio 3), Vancouver Recital Society, Nottingham International Piano Series, Frankfurt Alte Oper, Merkin Hall in New York, and in festivals across the UK including Chipping Campden, Brighton and Bath.
Born in Jerusalem, Ariel studied with Lea Agmon and Yuval Cohen. Based in London, he completed his studies at the Royal Academy of Music with Hamish Milne and Ian Fountain. He has received extensive tuition from eminent artists such as Robert Levin, Murray Perahia, Imogen Cooper, Nicholas Walker, and the late Alfred Brendel, Leon Fleisher and Ivan Moravec. Other awards include 1st Prize at the Grand Prix Animato Competition in Paris and 1st Prize in the Dudley International Piano Competition, as well as a finalist award at the Rubinstein Competition. Ariel was recently made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.
“…the admirable Lanyi drawing out their many and varied colours superbly.” – BBC Music Magazine, 5-star review
Programme
Beethoven Diabelli Variations

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-13 14:45 - 15:30 | G06
New for 2026!
A new daily workshop dedicated to the art of piano duo playing – both duets and 2 pianos.
Bring your duo ready to perform, or simply enjoy the thrill of sightreading together in a supportive atmosphere. Everyone welcome – there will always be someone ready to join you at the piano.
Do drop in and explore the wonderfully rich duo repertoire.

Teaching session 3
2026-08-13 14:45 - 17:00
In this third teaching session relish the opportunity to ‘sit in’ on as many lessons as you can – observing some of the world’s leading piano teachers in action!

Leon McCawley

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-13 15:30 - 16:15 | G06
A wonderful opportunity to perform on a beautiful grand piano in front of a small, friendly audience.

'Drop in' performance class
2026-08-13 16:15 - 17:00 | G06
We are delighted to have an open door to all pianists wanting to try out a piece in a small and friendly room, encouraged by a member of the faculty. Every day on part one come and join us!

Lecture “What about the Twiddly Bits?” with Charlotte Turner
2026-08-13 17:15 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
The first of the lectures for the 2026 course.
This lecture explores how to approach ornamentation in Baroque keyboard music by understanding the expressive logic behind it. Charlotte Turner will discuss the principles of preparation, dissonance and resolution, showing how ornaments arise naturally from harmonic tension and release. Participants gain practical tools for shaping “twiddly bits” with stylistic confidence and musical purpose.
Free to all summer school participants and observers. Tickets to public available from the Stoller Hall.

Faculty Gala Recital
2026-08-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
The now traditional Gala Recital featuring some of the outstanding members of the faculty.
Heidi Rolfe and Ben Frith Martin Ellerby 5 Lowry Pictures – no. 2 and 5
John Thwaites Brahms: Intermezzo Op. 119 No. 1 Frank Bridge: “Rosemary”
Honor O’Hea and Robert Andres C. Debussy: Scottish March on a Popular Theme (Earl of Ross March)
Nikita Fitenko Prokofiev Sonata No. 6 4th movement Vivace
Nellie Seng Scriabin Fantasie
Nina Tichman and Callum McLachlan
György Kurtág Erinnerungsbrockenaus einer Kolindenmelodie (Játékok III)
JS Bach Allein Gott in der Höh´sei Ehr (BWV 711)
György Kurtág Zorniger Chorale (Játékok IV)
JS Bach Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (BWV 687)
György Kurtág Hand in hand (Játékok VIII)
JS Bach Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit/Actus tragicus (BWV 106)
Douglas Finch Improvisation on themes from the audience

© Martin Lijinsky

Leon McCawley Recital
2026-08-13 20:30 - 21:30 | Stoller Hall
“One of today’s most impeccably musical pianists.” International Piano, January/February 2021
Praised for his unfailingly communicative playing, British pianist Leon McCawley has been delighting audiences worldwide since winning, in 1993, First Prize in the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna and Second Prize at the Leeds International Piano Competition. His many concert performances and extensive discography have established him as a pianist of great integrity and variety, bringing freshness and vitality to Classical, Romantic and 20th century repertoire. McCawley’s latest CD of Haydn Sonatas Volume IV for SOMM Recordings is no exception: “There is real freshness to McCawley’s playing throughout, concomitant with a sense of Haydn’s delight in playing with form. Captured in superb sound, this is one of McCawley’s finest discs to date”. (International Piano, December 2021).
Mozart: Sonata in G major K283
Allegro
Andante
Presto
Fanny Mendelssohn: Notturno in G minor H337
Fauré: Nocturne No. 4 in E flat major Op. 36
Beethoven: Sonata in C major Op. 2 No. 3
Allegro con brio
Adagio
Scherzo
Allegro assai

© Clive Barda

Late Night Jazz Room
2026-08-13 22:00 | G04
Every evening a chance for participants to play some jazz and improvisation in this lovely space on a superb grand piano kindly donated by Forsyth Music Shop.
Enjoy listening with a drink, or enjoy playing to fellow participants.

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-14 08:15 - 08:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Wake up early and join Murray for a refreshing warm up session. A chance to start your day with aural and physical fun – everyone welcome!

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-14 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
Start the day with a helpful workshop for everyone who needs a little support with practising. Workshops for the Junior Course are scheduled just after this class.
Everyone welcome – come along with a bar, a chord, or any part of a piece that you would like some advice on from a member of the faculty. Tips on fingering, pedaling, phrasing, articulation, voicing etc.

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-14 08:45 - 09:30 | Oglesby Atrium
The first morning group class where singing, movement and more help to ease everyone into the day.

a young pianist exploring rhythm with Murray McLachlan.

Dalcroze Group Classes
2026-08-14 08:45 - 10:15 | Gym
Join Alison Wise for a fun and inspiring session of Dalcroze Eurhythmics.
In Dalcroze Eurhythmics, music is experienced through movement – the teaching and learning process engages body, mind and emotion.
Contemporary research demonstrates that whole-body movement is an effective way to enhance musicianship, improve co-ordination and concentration, and develop the skills needed to be a good performer.
Studying physically, in a group setting, increases confidence, refines the ability to sense and analyse music, and develops auditory memory, communication, expression, and creativity.

Teaching session 1
2026-08-14 08:45 - 11:00
Individual lessons take place on all courses throughout the school. The summer school has an ‘open door’ policy – offering an amazing opportunity to sit in on lessons.

Stoller Hall Professional Film Recording
2026-08-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Stoller Hall
Stunning acoustics, a fabulous Model D Steinway is tuned and ready for you to play and top of the range recording equipment provide the perfect conditions. With the outstanding Mill Media in the award winning Stoller Hall. Please book early as spaces are limited.
