Teaching session 2
2026-08-13 11:30 - 13:00 (Europe/London)
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.

Junior Course 'drop in' practice workshop
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
2026-08-14 10:15 - 11:00 | G06
New for 2026 a daily class focusing on scales and exercises.
Regular work on scales and exercises transforms your facility, giving you the freedom to play with clarity and control.
Drop in for 5 minutes or come for the whole class – everyone welcome!

Adult Amateur Workshop
2026-08-14 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
A chance for all adult amateur pianists to come and play in a supportive atmosphere, with Susan Bettaney. Come and play a bar, a phrase or a complete piece – on a wonderful Grand piano kindly donated by Forsyth Music Shop. 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
2026-08-14 11:30 - 13:00
Lessons throughout the school on all courses including composition, aural, jazz, improvisation, organ, musical analysis, and much more!

Young Artists Recital Students from RNCM
2026-08-14 13:45 - 14:30 | Stoller Hall
Today we welcome three talented students who are currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Programme to include
Lincoln Poon TBC
Christopher Hawkins Stephen Hough Sonatina Nostalgica
Cristo Harijan
Brahms Op 76
No 1 Capriccio in F♯ minor
No 2 Capriccio in B minor
No 3 Intermezzo in A♭ major
No 5 Capriccio in C♯ minor
No 6 Intermezzo in A major
No 8 Capriccio in C major

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-14 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.
Diabelli, Mozart, Schubert, Grieg, Dvorak, Brahms, Ravel, Debussy, Faure, Rachmaninov – so many composers wrote a huge amount for both piano duet and 2 pianos. These new workshops are a chance to come along with a prepared duo, or simply to enjoy sightreading through some of this amazing repertoire.
There will be something for everyone – do bring your own music to share with us and have fun exploring the box of music too.
Kathryn Stott and Matthew McLachlan

Teaching session 3
2026-08-14 14:45 - 17:00
The faculty are teaching throughout the school on all courses including composition, aural, jazz, improvisation, organ, musical analysis, and much more! Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from some of the most respected teachers and pianists in the world.

Paul Lewis

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-14 15:30 - 16:15 | G06
Don’t miss this opportunity to perform in front of friends on the Junior Course. Pop in anytime you are free.

'Drop in' performance class
2026-08-14 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 ‘Letting the wrong notes become the right notes (in ANY order!) with Douglas Finch
2026-08-14 17:15 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
We are delighted to welcome Douglas Finch – improviser extraordinaire – to give us an introduction to improvising for fun and profit (And ways of thinking about music)

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.
Chopin
Nocturne in F# minor op. 48 no 2
3 Mazurkas op 59
Schubert Sonata in Bb major D960
Molto moderato Andante sostenuto Scherzo: Allegro vivace con delicatezza – Trio Allegro ma non troppo – Presto

© 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.
Britten: 12 Variations (1931)
Schubert/ Liszt: Der Müller und der Bach.
Schumann: Davidsbündler Op.

© Martin Lijinsky

Late Night Recital - Murray McLachlan
2026-08-14 22:00 - 23:00 | Stoller Hall
‘Murray McLachlan is a pianist with a virtuoso technique and a sure sense of line. His timing and phrasing are impeccable, and his tone-full but unforced in the powerful passages, gentle and restrained in the more lyrical- is a perpetual delight’ (BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE)
During the course Murray will perform three late night recitals featuring the works of Euan Moseley. Murray is currently recording the complete piano music for Divine Art and these three recitals will complete the cycle.
Ballet suite 1
Journeys

© Martin Lijinsky

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