Chetham’s International Piano Summer School

Lecture
2026-08-14 17:15 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | Stoller Hall
Full details for todays lecture announced shortly.

Dina Parakhina giving a lecture recital on Medtner in 2025

Alicja Fiderkiewicz Recital
2026-08-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
We are thrilled to welcome back Alicja Fiderkiewicz to give a solo recital in Stoller Hall.
“Her playing is distinguished by her innate sense of style and immaculate articulation. These qualities combine with true musicianship to give performances of uncommon interest, Her interpretation of Beethoven’s “Pathetique” Sonata was masterly; the strength which underlies her playing is always finely controlled and her phrasing delineates the development of the music. The slow movement especially, was most beautifully played with a sober elegance and a wealth of controlled feeling.” Daily Telegraph
Alicja has performed widely throughout the UK including number of recitals in the Wigmore Hall, St. John’s Smith Square, St-Martin’s-in-the-fields in London. She has performed in Manchester, Isle of Man, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow to name a few. As well as performances in the UK Alicja has performed concertos and recitals in Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Italy, Switzerland, Cyprus, Spain, Finland, Japan, USA, Singapore & Malaysia.

© Martin Lijinsky

Benjamin Frith Recital
2026-08-14 20:30 - 21:30 | Stoller Hall
Prolific recitalist and recording artist, Benjamin Frith is one of the most versatile, respected and engaging pianists in the UK. With over 60 recordings – from Scarlatti to MacMillan – and many acclaimed reviews, Frith is at the forefront of the craft of music making.
Gold Medal winner of the Artur Rubinstein Piano Masters International Competition, Tel Aviv, and Top Prize Winner in the Busoni International Piano Competition, Frith has performed with many of the worlds finest orchestras and conductors. Zubin Mehta with the IPO and Mosche Atzmon with the Warsaw
Philharmonic amongst some of Frith’s many memorable musical experiences.
Renowned for his critically acclaimed recordings, Frith made Gramophone ‘Disc of the Year’ with his C.V. Stanford 2nd Piano Concerto and his Schumann Davidsbundler Op. 6 won top recommendation in the Radio 3 ‘CD Review’. In high demand as both soloist and chamber musician, Frith enjoys a busy and versatile career. As pianist in the Gould Piano Trio he has toured extensively throughout North America; and as guest pianist in the illustrious Nash Ensemble he has performed and recorded to critical acclaim. Solo tours have taken him to America, Europe, the middle and far East with upcoming
solo tours to Japan.

© Martin Lijinsky

Late Night Participant recitals
2026-08-14 22:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-15 22:00 - 23:00
Late night recitals by participants on the course – inspiration and incredibly varied repertoire guaranteed!

Late Night Jazz Room
2026-08-14 22:00 - 23:30 | G04
A wonderful opportunity for participants to play some jazz and improvisation in this lovely informal space on a superb grand piano kindly donated by Forsyth Music Shop.
Listen with a drink, or enjoy playing to fellow participants.
Steven Osborne with Nikki Iles in an informal performance in 2025.

https://pianosummerschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Jazz-lesson.mp4

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-15 08:15 - 08:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Flagging with mid-course fatigue? No problem: Wake up early and join Murray for a refreshing warm up session.

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-15 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
A great way to set up the day with tips on every aspect of piano playing from a member of the faculty.

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-15 08:45 - 09:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Join all the other junior course pianists for a group session. Dalcroze, Kodaly, movement, listening, and much more.

Teaching session 1
2026-08-15 08:45 - 11:00
The first teaching session of the day. Over 30 faculty will be working with participants in daily intensive individual lessons. All lessons also open to observe.

Alexander Technique Group and Individual Classes
2026-08-15 08:45 - 17:00 | Gym
Learning the Alexander Technique gives you a fascinating tool for noticing when the tension is creeping up on you, so you can notice your reactions building and let go of the tension. It means you’re calmer and more confident in everything you do. That’s why actors and musicians use it for stage-fright, golfers use it to improve performance, and you can use it to reduce stress and anxiety.
We are thrilled to welcome back James Crow who is renowned for his work helping musicians. Book early to secure a place.

Stoller Hall Professional Film Recording
2026-08-15 09:00 - 12:00
Experience exceptional acoustics and the brilliance of a beautifully prepared Model D Steinway, ready for your performance. State‑of‑the‑art recording equipment ensures the finest conditions, all supported by the expertise of Mill Media in the acclaimed Stoller Hall.
Early booking is advised, as places are limited.

Junior Course 'drop in' practice workshop
2026-08-15 09:30 - 10:15 | G06
The daily ‘drop -in’ class for all Junior Course pianists. A great way to set up the day with tips on every aspect of piano playing from a member of the faculty. Come along with a bar, or a small section for lots of advice and help to take you into your practice room.

Scales and exercises 'drop in' workshop
2026-08-15 10:15 - 11:00 | G06
New for 2026 a daily class focusing on scales and exercises.
Join a daily workshop where scales and exercises become exciting tools for progress, unlocking speed, strength, and expressive freedom. Learn how to make exercises out of your repertoire and to always find new ways to practise.
Drop in for 5 minutes or come for the whole class – everyone welcome!

Adult Amateur Workshop
2026-08-15 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
Adult amateur pianists are warmly welcomed to play in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere with Kathryn Page. Whether it’s a single phrase or a complete work, this session helps ease performance nerves. Countless participants who once lacked confidence now return annually, with some going on to record in Stoller Hall and pursue diplomas.

Teaching session 2
2026-08-15 11:30 - 13:00
As individual lessons continue apace, take full advantage of the ‘open door’ policy on the summer school. An amazing faculty of over 70 will be working throughout the course – an incredible opportunity to learn from the leading musicians of today.

Lunchtime Recital - Chetham’s School of Music
2026-08-15 13:45 - 14:30 | Stoller Hall
The daily lunchtime recital in the Stoller Hall.
Today we welcome pianists who are currently studying at Chetham’s School of Music.
Tickets available through the Stoller Hall. Free to all summer school participants and observers.

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-15 14:45 - 15:30 | G06
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.

Marie, Margaret, Caroline and Douglas performing a world premiere in 2025.

Teaching session 3
2026-08-15 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!

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-15 15:30 - 16:15 | G06
Every day Junior Course pianists can enjoy performing on an outstanding grand piano in front of a small and supportive audience, hosted by a member of the faculty.

'Drop in' performance class
2026-08-15 16:15 - 17:00 | G06
An exciting addition to the course – a daily opportunity to perform and hear other pianists on the course in a very informal performance session, hosted by a member of the faculty. All welcome.

Lecture - with Murray Mclachlan
2026-08-15 17:15 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
Today we welcome Murray Mclachlan for the daily lecture.
Full details will be announced soon.

Ji Liu Recital
2026-08-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
Dr Ji Liu combines a distinguished and multifaceted career as a pianist, composer, scholar and educator. As an international soloist, he has performed at venues and festivals including Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Barbican Centre, Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, Auditorium du Louvre, Royal Concertgebouw, National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing, Henley Festival, Petworth Festival, Bristol Proms, Verbier Festival, etc. At Classic FM’s 25th anniversary, Ji Liu performed for His Majesty King Charles III and other distinguished guests at the Dumfries House.
We are thrilled to welcome Ji to Stoller Hall for the first time, in a thrilling recitl of all 24 Chopin Studies.
Chopin
Etudes Op 10
Etudes Op 25

Gülsin Onay Recital
2026-08-15 20:30 - 21:30 | Stoller Hall
Gülsin Onay holds the title of State Artist in her native Turkey, where for many years she has been official soloist for the Presidential Symphony Orchestra in Ankara. She is “Artist in Residence” at Bilkent University in Ankara and holds honorary doctoral degrees from Bosphorus University in Istanbul, and from Hacettepe University in Ankara. In 2007 she was honoured with the award of a State Medal by the Polish nation for her interpretation of the music of Chopin.
She has performed as a soloist with such leading orchestras as Dresden Staatskapelle, Philharmonia Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic, Japan Philharmonic, Munich Radio Symphony, St Petersburg Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, Warsaw Philharmonic and Vienna Symphony Orchestras. Conductors with which she has performed include Vladimir Ashkenazy, Erich Bergel, Michael Boder, Andrey Boreyko, Jorg Faerber, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Edward Gardner, Neeme Jarvi, Emmanuel Krivine, Ingo Metzmacher and Esa-Pekka Salonen.

Late Night Jazz Room
2026-08-15 22:00 - 23:30 | G04
An exciting chance for participants to explore jazz and improvisation in a relaxed, welcoming setting, featuring a magnificent grand piano generously provided by Forsyth Music Shop.
Sit back with a drink and enjoy the sounds, or step up and share your music with fellow participants.

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-16 08:15 - 08:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Closing stretch fatigue? Start the day with Murray’s invigorating warm-up and carry fresh momentum into the final sessions of part one.
early morning warmups

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-16 08:45 - 09:30 | Oglesby Atrium
The final group class for all Junior Course pianists. A chance to explore what has been discovered through the lessons, workshops and recitals. Tomorrow all Junior pianists will get a chance to perform to friends and family in the Hall and receive a certificate of participation.
Junior pianists relaxing listening to music.

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-16 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
The final ‘drop -in’ morning class on part one – come along for helpful tips on different approaches to practise. Don’t miss this chance to get advice on any aspect of piano playing.

Teaching session 1
2026-08-16 08:45 - 11:00
As all members of the faculty teach throughout the school, don’t miss the opportunity to listen to the amazing lessons.

Alexander Technique Group and Individual Classes
2026-08-16 08:45 - 17:00 | Gym
The main principles of the Alexander technique are:
“how you move, sit and stand affects how well you function”
“the relationship of the head, neck and spine is fundamental to your ability to function optimally”
“becoming more mindful of the way you go about your daily activities is necessary to make changes and gain benefit”
“the mind and body work together intimately as one, each constantly influencing the other”

Don’t miss the opportunity to work with James Crow in either group classes or individual session. It is possible to book several sessions of groups and/or individual lessons. Book early to avoid disappointment.
https://pianosummerschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Alexander-delights-from-young-pianist.mp4
