Teaching session 3
2026-08-16 14:45 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
The final session for individual lessons. Teachers on all courses will be working throughout the school.

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-16 15:30 - 16:15 | G06
The final performance class on part one! 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
2026-08-16 16:15 - 17:00 | G06
The final opportunity on part one to perform in this informal setting, to an audience of supportive participants.

Participant recitals
2026-08-16 17:00 - 18:00
All participants have the opportunity to perform on one of the concert grand pianos in the recital rooms. Steinway, Schimmel, Bösendorfer, Yamaha and Bechstein are some of the models available.
Make sure to sign up when applying online.

Carole Nash Recital Hall

Adam Swayne Recital
2026-08-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
We are delighted to welcome back Adam Swayne to perform a solo recital.
Adam combines performing and composing with his role as Deputy Head of Keyboard Studies at the RNCM. He has performed in festivals throughout the UK and abroad, including on BBC Radio and Television and at the BBC Proms. His “blistering” first solo CD was selected as an Instrumental Monthly Choice by BBC Music Magazine, and it also received two nominations at the 2019 Opus Klassik awards in Germany. His “powerful” second CD, a commemoration of 20 years since 9/11, was launched at the Wigmore Hall and reviewed on BBC Radio 3’s Record Review. He is the pianist for leading contemporary group the Riot Ensemble. The Times described him as “a pianist of formidable technique and high intelligence” and the Evening Standard as “an ideal blend of panache and subtlety”.

Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen Recital
2026-08-16 20:30 - 21:30 | Stoller Hall
Katya Apekisheva and Charles Owen are passionate advocates for the wide range
of four hands and two piano repertoire.
They began performing together in 2001 since when they have firmly established
themselves as one of the leading piano duo partnerships.
Their close collaboration stems from a shared teacher, the inspirational Irina
Zaritskaya, with whom they both studied at the Royal Colle ge of Music. Their
friendship dates from 1987 during a visit of students from the Gnessin School in
Moscow to the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey.
Charles & Katya have appeared in concerts together at many of the UK’s major
festivals – Cheltenham, Leicester, Ryedale, Music in Country Churches, Oxford
Chamber Music and Machynlleth. Their BBC Radio3 broadcasts include the
Brahms Haydn Variations from St George’s Bristol and Fauré for the BBC1 Andrew
Marr Show.
Internationally they have performed at the Moscow Conservatoire, the Elverum
Festival, Norway and in Mexico City playing the solo parts in the Mozart and
Poulenc Double concertos with the UNAM Orchestra conducted by Jan Latham
Koenig.
The duo released a highly acclaimed first recording for Quartz in 2016, featuring
Stravinsky’s two piano ballets, the Rite of Spring and Petrushka, with a dedication
to the memory of their teacher.
Together they are the Artistic Directors and founders of the London Piano Festival, which is held annually at Kings Place.
Free to all summer school participants. Tickets will be available through the Stoller Hall Website.

Cabaret
2026-08-16 22:00 | Oglesby Atrium
The traditional end to the final night on the summer school. Always very popular with faculty and participants alike. You might see Noriko Ogawa playing the violin as a nun, or Peter Donohoe playing Chopin in a pink dressing gown and using an orange instead of his fingers! Always amusing and a late night license adds to the fun!! All held around the bar in the Atrium.

Final morning participant recitals
2026-08-17 09:00 - 11:15
As CIPSS part 1 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.

Junior Course Final Presentation Concert
2026-08-17 09:00 - 11:15 | Oglesby Atrium
As CIPSS part one draws to a close, we look forward to all the Junior pianists performing and being presented with a certificate of participation from Course Director and Head of Keyboard at Chetham’s – Murray McLachlan . Friends and family very welcome.

Chetham’s School of Music Atrium

Stoller Hall Professional Film Recording
2026-08-17 09:00 - 12:00
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
2026-08-17 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 One
2026-08-17 11:30
Part one of the course ends after the morning recitals around 11.30am. For participants staying on to part two it is an amazing opportunity to head off to the teaching rooms which are all empty and spend a happy hour or two on the glorious grand pianos! For those leaving its time to exchange contact details to keep in touch until next year!

CIPSS Part 2 Registration
2026-08-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Oglesby Atrium
Please arrive in plenty of time to settle in before the opening recital at 17.00.
If you are a participant on the Junior Piano, Adult Amateur Course there are welcome meetings for each course at 3.30pm. Please do try to arrive in plenty of time so that you can come along.
Anyone who is staying for both parts does not need to register again – enjoy all of the empty teaching rooms!
If you are unable to arrive in time for the registration please email info@pianosummerschool.com to confirm your expected arrival time.

Welcome meeting for Junior Piano Course
2026-08-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Carole Nash Hall
A chance to meet other young pianists on the course with course director and Head of Keyboard, Murray McLachlan. We look forward to getting to know you all over the course and hearing you play.
We are thrilled that Alison Wise will take all the children in a fun dalcroze session during the hour – an ideal way to relax and make friends!

Welcome for Adult Amateur Course
2026-08-17 15:30 - 16:30 | 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.

Opening recital with Mookie Lee- Menuhin and Jeremy Menuhin
2026-08-17 17:00 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
We are thrilled to welcome Mookie Lee- Menuhin and Jeremy Menuhin for the opening recital of part two.
“As if entirely of one mind” (Jessica Duchen) captures the essence of every performance by the dynamic Menuhin Duo. Whether performing on two pianos or side-by-side at the same keyboard, Mookie and Jeremy play as one, interpreting the classical repertoire with devotion and joy. The unique soundscape of the two-piano repertoire allows the Duo great flexibility of range, color, and depth in their performances of works by Mozart, Brahms, Schumann, Lutoslawski, Bartok, and many others.
While exploring existing literature by major composers, the Duo also incorporates music composed by Jeremy into their performances. A former student of Nadia Boulanger, Jeremy has transcribed the great chamber works of Schubert and Brahms, and created original repertoire specifically suited to the Menuhin Duo.
Schubert-Menuhin Transformation of the variation movement from the quartet, ‘ Death and the Maiden’ (2014)
Jeremy Menuhin Suite for Two Pianos in the Baroque Manner (2016)
Prélude
Fuga
Siciliano
Invention
Sarabande
Gigue
Brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56
Tickets available from Stoller Hall. Free to all summer school participants and observers.

Stephen Kovacevich Recital
2026-08-17 19:30 - 20:30 | Stoller Hall
Stephen Kovacevich, hailed worldwide as one of the greatest interpreters of Beethoven and Schubert, brings a lifetime of artistry to the stage. From his electrifying debut at Wigmore Hall to decades of performances with the world’s leading orchestras, Kovacevich has captivated audiences with his fearless intensity, profound insight, and uncompromising devotion to musical truth. This recital is not just a concert — it is a rare chance to witness a master whose interpretations have shaped generations of pianists and listeners alike.
We are honoured to welcome him to perform in Stoller Hall for the first time.
Free to all summer school participants and observers.
Public tickets available through the Stoller Hall.

Welcome reception
2026-08-17 21:45 | Oglesby Atrium
A chance to meet friends, old and new as we celebrate 25 years of CIPSS. Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly on us and savour the atmosphere of ‘the friendliest piano summer school’!
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the ‘Jazz Room’ – an intimate space for both playing and listening to participants playing jazz. The space will be available every evening after the last faculty recital. Not to be missed!
A short clip from the incredible Steven Osborne and Nikki Iles who enjoyed lots of fun in the Jazz room in 2025.

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

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-18 08:15 - 08:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Begin your CIPSS part 2 with a refreshing concentrated group session!
An 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.
The atrium

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-18 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
Start the day with a helpful workshop for everyone who needs a little support with practising.
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.

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-18 08:45 - 09:30 | Oglesby Atrium
The daily morning group class – singing, movement and more before all the individual lessons begin.

Teaching session 1
2026-08-18 08:45 - 11:00
The inspirational faculty are busy giving daily individual lessons on all courses. The course has an open door policy to all lessons – not to be missed.

Alexander Technique Group and Individual Classes
2026-08-18 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. Book either a group, an individual, or both!

Junior Course 'drop in' practice workshop
2026-08-18 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
2026-08-18 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
2026-08-18 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
The daily group workshop, today hosted by Kathryn Page. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to perform on the beautiful grand piano in front of your new piano family.

Teaching session 2
2026-08-18 11:30 - 13:00
Individual lessons continue apace. With so many wonderful teachers and course options everyone will be kept very busy!. The piano summer school has an ‘open door’ policy – so do go and listen to other lessons. You might decide you want to learn jazz!

Gala Faculty Recital
2026-08-18 13:45 - 14:30 | 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.

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-18 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
2026-08-18 14:45 - 17:00
The third teaching session of the day. As teaching carries on in full swing, don’t forget the summer school’s ‘open door’ policy: a unique invitation to explore, listen, and learn from sessions beyond your own.
