Chetham’s International Piano Summer School

Teaching session 2
2026-08-19 11:30 - 13:00 (Europe/London)
Alongside your own lessons, make the most of our ‘open door’ approach—wander into workshops, hear fellow pianists, and enjoy the vibrant community spirit of the summer school.

Paul Lewis

Young Artists Lunchtime Recital
2026-08-19 13:45 - 14:30 | Stoller Hall
Today we welcome three talented young pianists in an exciting programme.
Nadiia Dotsiak
Victor Kosenko – Two Poem-Legends, Op. 12
Myroslav Skoryk – Burlesque

Frederick Johnston
Sergei Prokofiev – Romeo and Juliet Op. 75: No. 6, The Montagues and the Capulets
York Bowen – 24 Preludes Op. 102: No. 7 in Eb Major
Takashi Yoshimatsu – Piano Folio… To a Disappeared Pleiad

Chiara Lordi
Liszt Ballade No 2

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-19 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
2026-08-19 14:45 - 17:00
The final session for individual lessons. Teachers on all courses will be working throughout the school. Participants are warmly encouraged to take full advantage of the summer school’s ‘open door’ policy

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-19 15:30 - 16:15 | G06
A great opportunity to play on a beautiful grand piano in front of a small, friendly audience.

'Drop in' performance class
2026-08-19 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 - From Stress to Strength - with Mookie Lee-Menuhin
2026-08-19 17:15 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
In today’s high-pressure world, many of us — musicians and non-musicians alike — live in a constant state of survival mode: stretched thin, always “on,” and striving to stay in control while feeling increasingly depleted.
With soaring levels of stress and burnout worldwide — and with musicians facing significantly higher rates of mental ill-health than the general population due to performance pressure, job insecurity, physical strain and a demanding culture that still clings to the myth of innate, immutable talent — this talk explores how we can move from stress to strength, from merely surviving to truly living.
Drawing on neuroscience and life on stage, concert pianist and cognitive neuroscientist Mookie Lee-Menuhin offers a different perspective. She discusses how awareness, connection, and meaning can shift our physiology, build resilience, and transform our relationship with ourselves and others even under stress and pressure. Backed with simple, science-based tools, she invites us to rethink stress and reimagine what is possible: not by avoiding difficulty, but by meeting it with presence and purpose.
Award‐winning pianist Mookie Lee‐Menuhin has performed worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician, touring major music halls and festivals throughout Europe, Scandinavia and Asia.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Ms. Lee-Menuhin is a cognitive neuroscientist. Her fascination and passion for knowledge of the intricacies of the brain and human behaviour earned her a master’s degree with distinction in applied neuroscience from King’s College London. Her unique path as a concert pianist and neuroscientist raised curiosity in the field of science and beyond, being featured in an interview by Women in Science and Technology at CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research) as well as in her presentation for Korean female leaders at the SungJoo Foundation.

Joanna MacGregor Recital
2026-08-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
‘MacGregor seems incapable of giving performances that are not at once extremely intelligent and entertaining’.
The Sunday Times
‘She is one of the most exciting and enterprising pianists of the moment.’
The Observer
‘Joanna MacGregor’s career is practically built on a reinvention of the star virtuoso
tradition… MacGregor’s verve, energy and astounding technique are always at the
service of the music.’
BBC Classical Review
We are thrilled to welcome back Joanna to Stoller Hall. Free to all summer school participants- public tickets available from the Stoller Hall.
Leonid Desyatnikov (b.1955)
Songs of Bukovina
24 Preludes for Piano (2017)

Steepe wind a-blowin’
The bridesmaid started crying
Ian, where d’you come from? – Beyond the Danube
Oh, Petrivochka, a night so short
The wind is blowing, the sun is warm
A rocky mountain
Oh, I’ll go to the garden
Oh, my sweet vast Canada
Oh, the clock chimed midnight
A swallow has flown in
Oh, a cuckoo cuckooed in the house on the corner
If only Mother had known
Green willow, green willow
Poplars grew from one field to another
I sow six seeds of maize
Red arrowwood has blossomed white
Oh, whose wedding is this?
Red arrowwood, green leaves
A pike in the sea
They say I’ve lost my looks
Oh, dear sheep of mine
A lady had a husband, she loved some Peter though
You, wretched singer, what are you looking for?
A pipe made of maplewood

Piers Lane Recital
2026-08-19 20:30 - 21:30 | Stoller Hall
“No praise could be high enough for Piers Lane whose playing throughout is of a superb musical intelligence, sensitivity, and scintillating brilliance.” Bryce Morrison, Gramophone
We are thrilled that Piers is available to join us again at Chetham’s for a solo recital and teaching on the faculty.
Five times soloist at the BBC Proms, Piers Lane’s wide-ranging concerto repertoire exceeds one hundred works and has led to engagements with many of the world’s great orchestras, working recently with conductors like Sir Andrew Davis, Vassily Sinaisky, Gerard Schwartz and Brett Dean. Festival appearances have included Aldeburgh, Bard, Bath Mostly Mozart, Bergen, Cheltenham, Como Autumn Music, Prague Spring, Rockport, La Roque d’Anthéron, Ruhr Klavierfestival, Schloss vor Husum, Seattle and the Chopin festivals in Warsaw, Duszniki-Zdrój, Mallorca and Paris.

Peter Tranchell Seven Pieces

Peacock 2. Rainy Season Bird 3. Goat 4. Crane 5. Cuckoo 6. Frog 7. Elephant

Chopin Prelude in C# minor Op.45
Chopin 24 Preludes Op.28

Late Night Participant recitals
2026-08-19 22:00 - 23:00
Late night recital opportunities in all of the recital halls throughout the school. 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.

Baronial Hall

Late Night Jazz Room
2026-08-19 22:00 - 23:30 | G04
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy late -night jazz- either listening or playing yourself.
Enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere.

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-20 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.
A new 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.

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-20 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
2026-08-20 08:45 - 09:30 | Oglesby Atrium
Join your friends for a group workshop session – singing, movement, listening and much more to start your day with renewed energy.

Dalcroze Group Classes
2026-08-20 08:45 - 10:15 | Gym
Discover how to use the body as a tool for musical perception, preparation, and performance.
Experience a liberating and joyful approach to music that will transform your creativity. Dalcroze provides a powerful route to musical expression – and it is also a lot of fun!
We welcome back Alison Wise to take the classes in dalcroze. Please tick the box on the application form to reserve a place in the class.

Teaching session 1
2026-08-20 08:45 - 11:00
The day begins with all members of the faculty teaching throughout the school. Everyone will receive a daily lesson as standard.

Stoller Hall Professional Film Recording
2026-08-20 09:00 - 12:00
Outstanding acoustics, a pristine Model D Steinway – tuned and ready to play, together with a cutting‑edge recording company combine to deliver the ultimate experience.
With the renowned Mill Media in the award winning Stoller Hall. Please book early as spaces are limited.

Junior Course 'drop in' practice workshop
2026-08-20 09:30 - 10:15 | G06
A great way to set up the day with tips on every aspect of piano practising from a member of the faculty. Drop in for 5 minutes or the whole workshop and learn from listening to everyone. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity!

Scales and exercises 'drop in' workshop
2026-08-20 10:15 - 11:00 | G06
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
2026-08-20 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
A chance for adult amateur pianists to perform in a relaxed, encouraging environment with Kathryn Page. Whether you share a single phrase or a complete piece, you’ll find support in overcoming nerves.

Teaching session 2
2026-08-20 11:30 - 13:00
The final day for lessons on part two. The faculty are teaching throughout the school on all courses including composition, aural, jazz, improvisation, organ, musical analysis, and much more!

Lunchtime Recital - Chetham's School of Music
2026-08-20 13:45 - 14:30 | Stoller Hall
Today we welcome young pianists currently studying at Chetham’s.
Sammi Zhong
Melody Zhang
Harmony Zhang

Alim Beisembayev – winner of the 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-20 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
2026-08-20 14:45 - 17:00
The third teaching session of the day. While your individual lessons keep you busy, the summer school’s ‘open door’ policy opens up a world of extra learning and inspiration—come and see what’s happening beyond your own timetable.

Marta Karbownicka

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-20 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
2026-08-20 16:15 - 17:00 | G06
Each day offers a relaxed performance opportunity—play for others, hear fellow pianists, and enjoy the supportive atmosphere with a faculty member hosting.

25 for 25 - a jubilee celebration - part two
2026-08-20 17:15 - 18:00 | Stoller Hall
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of CIPSS we are thrilled to present a stunning anthology of 25 new piano miniatures,
written by a galaxy of stars associated with the summer school and Chetham’s.
World premiere performances of all 25 pieces will be presented across two recitals during the course.
Copies of this extraordinary collection of pieces are published in a single album by Forsyth and will be available to purchase during all of CIPSS 2026. Proceeds in aid of Help Musicians UK.
25 for 25 composers
Gary Carpenter, Les Chisnall, Elena Cobb, Douglas Finch, Adam Gorb, Edward Gregson,
Paul Harris, Toby Hession, David Horne, Sir Stephen Hough, Nikki Iles, John Lenehan,
Joanna Macgregor, Euan Moseley, Sarah Nicolls, Christopher Norton, Simon Parkin,
Jeremy Pike, Emma Ruth Richards, Melanie Spanswick, Ian Stephens, Adam Swayne,
Yuanfan Yang, Caroline Wright, Gavin Wayte.
Programme
Adam Swayne Family Silver performed by Adam Swayne
Joanna Macgregor River Moon performed by Joanna MacGregor
Adam Gorb Berceuse performed by Yoon Seok Shin
Edward Gregson À La Recherche du Temps Perdu performed by Murray McLachlan
Sarah Nicolls Long Grass performed by Sarah Nicolls
Paul Harris Knocked Urn performed by Rose McLachlan
Nikki Iles Winter Light performed by Steven Osborne
Simon Parkin G performed by Matthew McLachlan
Ian Stephens Lucency performed by Sarah Murphy
Les Chisnall Sea-Saw Sea performed by Les Chisnall
Sir Stephen Hough Auld Lang Syne Trad. arr. Hough performed by Philip Fowke

Noriko Ogawa Recital
2026-08-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
We are thrilled to welcome back Noriko Ogawa for a solo recital.
“What sets her apart from other pianists is her wonderful sense of timing… [Ogawa] allows the music to breathe, while maintaining the forward momentum” The Times
“…poetry as well as virtuosity… what makes his playing so complete is the combination of an innate musical simplicity with a highly developed technique… ” Daily Telegraph
Brahms
Op 117 Three Intermezzi

Intermezzo in E♭ major
Intermezzo in B♭ minor
Intermezzo in C♯ minor

Op 118 Six pieces for piano

Intermezzo in A minor
Intermezzo in A major
Ballade in G minor
Intermezzo in F minor
Romanze in F major
Intermezzo in E♭ minor

Op 119 Four pieces for piano

Intermezzo in B minor
Intermezzo in E minor
Intermezzo in C major
Rhapsody in E♭ major

Ronan O'Hora Recital
2026-08-20 20:30 - 21:30 | Stoller Hall
We are thrilled to welcome back Ronan O’Hora, who has been on the faculty many times from the very 1st course 25 years ago!
“His sound is lustrous; his playing is lyrical and full of feeling; he thinks not only of the passing notes but of the overall form. Moreover, O’Hora is blessed with meticulous taste – there was not a vulgar, swooning or overstated passage in the program.”
The Washington Post
The British pianist Ronan O’Hora has performed throughout the world, playing with such orchestras as the London Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra, the BBC Symphony, Royal Philharmonic and English Chamber orchestras, the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Hallé Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony, Zurich Tonhalle, Netherlands Radio Chamber, Philharmonia Hungarica, Brno Philharmonic, Winnipeg Symphony, Florida Philharmonic and Queensland Philharmonic.
Ronan O’Hora is Head of Keyboard Studies and Head of Advanced Performance Studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
Haydn Sonata in C major Hob XVI /48
Andante con espressione Rondo. Presto
Schoenberg 6 Little Pieces Op 19
Wagner/Liszt Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde
Brahms Sonata No 3 in F minor Op 5
Allegro maestoso
Andante espressivo
Scherzo Allegro energico
Intermezzo
Finale Allegro moderato ma rubato

Late Night Jazz Room
2026-08-20 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.
