Chetham’s International Piano Summer School

Junior Advanced 'drop in' practice workshop
2024-08-14 10:15 - 11:00 (Europe/London) | G06
The daily ‘drop -in’ class for all Junior Advanced 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.

Junior Piano Group Class
2024-08-14 08:45 - 09:30 | Carole Nash Hall
The first morning group class for all Junior Course pianists on part two, in the outstanding Carole Nash Hall. An opportunity to learn from some of the inspirational faculty on the course.

Tours of Forsyth's Piano Workshops, Showrooms & Private Collection of Historical Keyboard Instruments
2024-08-13 12:30 - 15:45
12.30pm – 1.45pm or 2.30pm – 3.45pm
Forsyth’s free, informal, behind-the-scenes tours are a popular feature of the Summer School programme every year and offer a rare and fascinating insight into the inner workings of pianos, how they are restored and maintained by their on-site specialists, and the different methods of construction of the various makers. Forsyth stock new pianos by Schimmel, Bösendorfer, August Förster, Yamaha, Kawai, Shigeru Kawai, Casio and Ritmüller, and always have an interesting selection of quality pre-owned instruments by makers such as Steinway and other well known brands all fully-serviced in Forsyth’s workshops.
As an extra treat, the tours will also include exclusive access to Forsyth’s private collection of historical keyboard instruments. If you are interested in how the piano and its relatives have developed over time, and what we can learn from earlier models to apply on today’s instruments, this is for you!
To book your place on one of these tours book on via their website https://www.forsyths.co.uk/content/476-chethams-pianoworkshop-tours or speak with a member of Forsyth’s staff at their pop-up shop in Chetham’s Oglesby Atrium, at their city-centre store, by phone on 0161 834 3281 (option. 3).
Opening Times
Forsyth Brothers Limited, 126 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2GR
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5.30pm; Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Forsyth’s pop-up shop at Chetham’s Oglesby Atrium is also open:
August 8 – 17th 9.45am – until at least 5.30pm (closing time advertised each day) and August 18th 9 – 11am

Junior Course Final Concert
2024-08-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Oglesby Atrium
All the young pianists on both junior courses have the opportunity to perform on the final morning, and receive a certificate of participation.
Family and friends will be welcome to come and listen.

Sarah Beth Briggs Recital
2024-08-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
…an exceptionally gifted musician The Guardian
Pianist Sarah Beth Briggs – an artist of extraordinary magnetism (Michael Kennedy, Daily Telegraph) – is a leading recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician.Her professional career was launched at the age of eleven when she became the then youngest-ever finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year and a recipient of a Dame Myra Hess Award. Four years later she gained international recognition as joint winner of the International Mozart Competition in Salzburg. Sarah is a celebrated artist at societies and festivals throughout the UK, acclaimed by promoters and critics for her performances and for her engaging and informative introductions to recital programmes.
Haydn Variations in F minor, Hob XVII/6
Schubert Impromptu in B flat, D935 No. 3
Chopin Berceuse, op 57
Mendelssohn Variations Sérieuses, op 54

Participant recitals
2024-08-12 17:00 - 18:00
An opportunity for participants to perform on the outstanding grand pianos in all of the halls and performance spaces. Observers warmly welcomed.

'Drop in' performance class
2024-08-12 16:15 - 17:00 | G06
The final performance class on part one! Don’t miss this opportunity to perform in front of friends on a superb grand piano. Pop in anytime you are free.

Adult Amateur Workshop
2024-08-12 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
Enjoy the opportunity of playing a world class Concert Grand piano – kindly donated by Forsyth Music shop. Marta Karbownicka will look forward to hearing everyone in the final workshop on part one.

Junior Foundation 'drop in' practice workshop
2024-08-12 09:30 - 10:15 | G06
For all young pianists on the Foundation Course. Drop in to play a bar, or a small section, ask about fingering and learn lots of tips to take you into your practice room. Stay for 5 minutes or the whole class – so much can be discovered by listening to everyone.

Junior Piano Group Class
2024-08-12 08:45 - 09:30 | Carole Nash Hall
The final daily group class on part one for all pianists on the Junior Piano Course.
A chance to learn together before individual lessons and workshops continue throughout the day.

Drop in practise workshop
2024-08-12 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
Come along for help with a particular bar, phrase or any aspect of a piece you are playing. A member of the faculty will look forward to helping everyone discover new and exciting ways to practise.

Stoller Hall Professional Film Recording
2024-08-12 08:30 - 12:00
An exciting opportunity for participants to make a professional quality film recording in the award winning Stoller Hall, on a magnificent Steinway Model D piano. We are delighted to welcome back James from Mill Media once again.
The film can be used for entry into competitions, for auditions or to promote the young pianist on social media.
Please book early as space is limited.
NB this is an additional fee – please tick the box on the application form.

Michael Lewin Recital
2024-08-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
Michael Lewin is internationally applauded as one of America’s most gifted concert pianists, performing to acclaim in over 30 countries. His many recordings, enormous repertoire and charismatic stage presence have established him as an artist whose warmth, imagination and dazzling virtuosity make him an audience favorite.
We are thrilled to welcome Michael back to Stoller Hall.
Gian-Carlo Menotti Ricercare and Toccate (1953)
(On a theme from “The Old Maid and the Thief”

Charles Griffes Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan (1915)

Franz Liszt Sonata in B minor

Lecture with Robert Andres - Pianos and Pianism: Frederic Horace Clark and the Quest for Unity of Mind, Body and Universe
2024-08-11 17:15 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
Pianos and Pianism: Frederic Horace Clark and the Quest for Unity of Mind, Body and Universe
Robert Andres, author of Pianos and Pianism, will give illuminating insight into Clark’s work and his place in the history of the development of piano technique.
Free to all summer school participants. Tickets available to the public from the Stoller Hall.

'Drop in' performance class
2024-08-11 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.

Junior Foundation 'drop in' practice workshop
2024-08-11 09:30 - 10:15 | G06
The final ‘drop -in’ class on part one for all Junior Foundation pianists. A great way to set up the day with tips on every aspect of piano playing from a member of the faculty. If you haven’t made it to the class yet do come in for some helpful tips.

Junior Piano Group Class
2024-08-11 08:45 - 09:30 | Carole Nash Hall
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.

Faculty Gala recital
2024-08-10 20:30 - 21:45 | Stoller Hall
The now traditional Gala Recital featuring outstanding members of the faculty. An exciting and varied programme guaranteed.
Free for all summer school participants. Tickets available for the public from the Stoller Hall.
Rachmaninov Caprice bohémien Op. 12 (Capriccio on gypsy themes) Honor O’Hea and Robert Andres
Brahms 3 Intermezzi Op 117 John Thwaites
Arnold Griller’s ‘Songs of the ChenFinch’ for two pianos Bobby Chen and Douglas Finch
Graham Lynch (1957-)
Blue Bird in the Mythic Forest
Rock Crystal world première Lauryna Sableviciute
Both pieces come from the set The Chimeras, and they share a similar theme in that they are related to the idea of the ‘story’. Blue Bird in the Mythic Forest evokes the atmosphere of a fairy tale, where the piano creates sustained and luminous harmonies and conjures up a hushed and dark forest. By contrast, Rock Crystal moves rapidly towards a series of climactic chords that summon up the elemental power of the glacier onto which two young children have accidently wandered on the night of Christmas eve. The story that inspired this piece was written by Adalbert Stifter, and it’s one of the most unique works in German literature.
Grieg Notturno Op. 54 No. 4 Debussy L’Isle Joyeuse Gemma Webster
Jeremy Pike – Prelude on E flat major world première Katie Laing
Douglas Finch – Improvisation – audience suggestions very welcome!
Ravel La Valse for 2 pianos Kathryn Stott and Ben Powell

Adult amateur workshop
2024-08-10 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
Enjoy 90 minutes of music making with pianists on the adult amateur course. Marta Karbownicka will offer helpful and constructive feedback. Observers always welcome.

Junior Foundation 'drop in' practice workshop
2024-08-10 09:30 - 10:15 | G06
The daily ‘drop -in’ class for all Junior Foundation 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.

Junior Piano Group Class
2024-08-10 08:45 - 09:30 | Carole Nash Hall
The morning begins for the Junior pianists with a group class in the magnificent Carole Nash Hall. This photo from last year shows the class exploring the importance of posture with Murray McLachlan.

Lecture with Murray McLachlan - Traum der Jugend: reflections on Ferruccio Busoni 100 years on
2024-08-09 17:15 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
The first lecture of the course celebrates Ferruccio Busoni – 1866 – 1924
‘Music is so constituted that every context is a new context and should be treated as an ‘exception’. The solution of a problem, once found, cannot be reapplied to a different context. Our art is a theatre of surprise and invention, and of the seemingly unprepared. The spirit of music arises from the depths of our humanity and is returned to the high regions whence it has descended on mankind.’ F.Busoni
Free to all summer school participants. Tickets available to the public from the Stoller Hall.

Junior Foundation 'drop in' performance class
2024-08-09 14:45 - 15:30 | G06
Every day come along to hear other young pianists playing on a grand piano, in front of a supportive audience and member of the faculty.

Masterclass with Paul Lewis
2024-08-09 09:30 - 12:30 | Stoller Hall
This morning Paul will work with talented young pianists in a masterclass from Stoller Hall. Free to all participants. Public tickets available from Stoller Hall box office. Chetham’s International Piano Summer School – Public Performances: Day Two | The Stoller Hall

Paul’s multi-award winning discography for Harmonia Mundi includes the complete Beethoven piano sonatas, concertos, and the Diabelli Variations, Liszt’s B minor sonata and other late works, all of Schubert’s major piano works from the last six years of his life including the 3 song cycles with tenor Mark Padmore, solo works by Schumann and Mussorgsky, and the Brahms D minor piano concerto with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Daniel Harding. Future recording plans include a multi-CD series of Haydn sonatas, Beethoven’s bagatelles, and works by Bach.

After Chetham’s Paul studied with Joan Havill at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London before going on to study privately with Alfred Brendel. He is co-Artistic Director of Midsummer Music, an annual chamber music festival held in Buckinghamshire, UK.

Nikki Iles and Friends
2024-08-08 21:15 - 22:15 | Oglesby Atrium
“A formidable UK jazz presence …”
“Iles is one of the most refreshing figures to have emerged in the UK scene in recent times, with a liquid sound and supple, obliquely resolved phrasing as an improviser”.
“Formidably creative…. “The Heroine of British Jazz …” The Guardian
‘Nikki Iles is a pianist of extraordinary imagination who thrives on fugitive melodies…” The Observer

We are thrilled to welcome back Nikki Iles to the course to both teach and perform.
Tonight Nikki is joined by Caroline Boaden and Steve Berry for an informal performance in the Oglesby Atrium.

Teaching session 1
2023-08-23 08:45 - 11:00
The last day on part 2 for individual lessons. All lessons are open to observe – don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from the outstanding faculty.

Tai Chi
2023-08-23 08:00 - 08:30
The final session of Tai Chi. If you have not been before don’t miss the chance to come along and find out more. Suitable for all.

John Lenehan presents Sounds for Silents
2023-08-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
We are delighted to welcome back John Lenehan for another outstanding programme of silent films. Free to summer school paritipcnats – tickes are available for the general public from the Stoller Hall.
Praised by the New York Times for his “great flair and virtuosity”, John Lenehan’s performances and recordings have been acclaimed throughout the world. With more than 70 albums to his credit, reflecting an enormous variety of genres and styles, John Lenehan ranks as one of the most versatile pianists on the international classical music scene today.
In this original programme, John accompanies a programme of silent movies and music-inspired films. As director of “Sounds for Silents” he has written and arranged more than 20 film scores, which have been performed throughout the UK in Festivals such as Aldeburgh, Cheltenham, Brighton and Harrogate as well as in Italy, Germany, Norway and Australia. He continues to present film and music programmes, reviving the art of the improvising pianist – the most recent including the silent films of Laurel and Hardy.

Teaching session 2
2023-08-22 11:30 - 13:00
The 2nd teaching session of the day. All of the faculty are busy giving daily individual lessons on all courses. Observers always welcome.

Philip Fowke working with the adult amateur workshop.

Teaching session 1
2023-08-22 08:45 - 11:00
Individual lessons continue with lessons taking place throughout the school. In addition to the piano course there will be lessons in jazz, composition, harpsichord, analysis, improvisation, theory, aural, sight-reading, dalcroze and alexander technique!

Noriko Ogawa teaching.
