Pavel Nersessian Recital
2026-08-21 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Stoller Hall
We are delighted to welcome Pavel Nersessian to the Stoller Hall and the summer school. “His performance brought a veritable roar of approval from the audience,” wrote the Irish Times, after Pavel Nersessian received the 1st Prize in the GPA Dublin International Piano Competition in 1991. Being one of the most remarkable pianists of his generation in Russia, he is known for his ability to play equally convincingly in the whole palette of the piano repertoire. He won prizes in the Beethoven Competition in Vienna in 1985, the Paloma O’Shea Competition in Santander, and the Tokyo Competition.
For more than 25 years P. Nersessian has been assisting his teacher, professor S. Dorensky. He has worked with such talented pupils as N. Lugansky, D. Matsuev, V. Rudenko, O. Kern, A. Shtarkman, Yu. Stadler, I. Tasovats, F. Amirov, M. Amara, A. Dossin, V. Igoshina, A. Mamriev, V. Korchinskaya-Kogan, S. Simonian, Z. Chochieva, G. Chaidze, N. Pisareva, A. Sychev, F. Kopachevsky, P. Kolesnikov, A. Tarasevich-Nikolaev, L. Bernsdorf, P. Elisha, A. Malofeev, A, Kliuchko and many others.
Pavel Nersessian served as a jury member in many international piano competitions: Dublin, Hamamatsu, Sendai, Maria Canals in Barcelona, Hilton Head, Almaty, Valencia, Tbilisi and other competitions.
In 2013 he started to work as a professor of piano in Boston university, in 2022 as a professor of piano in New England Conservatory.

Peter Donohoe Recital
2026-08-21 20:30 - 21:30 | Stoller Hall
“Peter Donohoe played as if visited by the spirit of Rachmaninov.” The Guardian
“I cannot imagine a living pianist capable of improving upon Donohoe’s outstanding artistry.” Robert Matthew-Walker, Musical Opinion
We are delighted to welcome back Peter Donohoe, former Chetham’s student and a much loved regular on the faculty of the summer school
Bach-Busoni Prelude and Fugue in Eb major (‘St Anne’)
Webern Variations Op 27
Schubert Sonata in C minor D958

© Martin Lijinsky

Cabaret
2026-08-21 22:00 | Oglesby Atrium
The customary finale to the summer school’s closing night is a highlight eagerly anticipated by both faculty and participants. It’s not unusual to witness Noriko Ogawa swapping her piano for a violin, or Peter Donohoe delivering Chopin in a pink dressing gown while playfully substituting an orange for his fingers. The antics never fail to raise a smile, and the late‑night license only heightens the merriment!

Junior Course Final Presentation Concert
2026-08-22 09:00 - 11:15 | Oglesby Atrium
As CIPSS part two draws to a close, we look forward to all the Junior pianists performing. Everyone will receive a certificate of participation from Course Director, Murray McLachlan.
Friends and family very welcome.

Final morning participant recitals
2026-08-22 09:00 - 11:15
As CIPSS 2026 draws to a close, we look forward to participant recitals throughout the school for over 2 hours. Friends and family welcome to come in and support.

Stoller Hall Professional Film Recording
2026-08-22 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.

Trinity exams and diplomas
2026-08-22 09:00 - 14:00 | Carole Nash Hall
An opportunity for participants to take a Trinity College of London exam or performing diploma on the summer school. Specialist examiners will listen to the performances in the wonderful Carole Nash Hall on a model D Steinway. Full details are on the website here.

End of CIPSS Part Two
2026-08-22 11:30
The 25th Chetham’s International Piano Summer School draws to a close. Many new friends will have been made and old friendships renewed. We look forward to seeing everyone next August!
