Chetham’s International Piano Summer School

Teaching session 2
2026-08-20 11:30 - 13:00 (Europe/London)
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.

Late Night Participant Recitals
2026-08-20 22:00 - 23:00
A wonderful opportunity to listen to fellow participants performing recitals around the school. There may be up to 6 recitals taking place at the same time.

Late Night Recital - Murray McLachlan
2026-08-20 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)
The final late night recital 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 3
Lullabies
Pondering

© Martin Lijinsky

Early Morning Warm Ups with Murray
2026-08-21 08:15 - 08:30 | Oglesby Atrium
End of course blues? Don’t worry- you can come back again next year for more inspiration and pianophilia. Meanwhile, join Murray for one last time in the final part one cobweb-sweeping session to get your last day off in style!

Drop in practice workshop
2026-08-21 08:45 - 09:30 | G06
The final chance to get extra help with any aspect of 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. Tips on fingering, pedaling, phrasing, articulation, voicing etc.

Junior Piano Group Class
2026-08-21 08:45 - 09:30 | Oglesby Atrium
The final morning group class for all pianists enrolled on the Junior Course. Inspiration and camaraderie as you learn together, in a supportive and friendly group.

Dalcroze Group Classes
2026-08-21 08:45 - 10:15 | Gym
Join Alison Wise for a group class in Dalcroze and discover the freedom and joy of music through movement. It is also a lot of fun!

Teaching session 1
2026-08-21 08:45 - 11:00
The final day for individual participant lessons – a wonderful opportunity to listen to lessons on all courses throughout the day.

Noriko Ogawa

Stoller Hall Professional Film Recording
2026-08-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Stoller Hall
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.

Junior Course 'drop in' practice workshop
2026-08-21 09:30 - 10:15 | G06
The final workshop on practising for all Junior Course pianists. 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
2026-08-21 10:15 - 11:00 | G06
Come along for the final class on part two to fuel your progress with a daily workshop devoted to scales and exercises—vital tools for fluency and technical mastery.
Drop in for 5 minutes or come for the whole class – everyone welcome!

Adult Amateur Workshop
2026-08-21 11:30 - 13:00 | G06
Join the wonderful Philip Fowke for the final adult amateur workshop of the 25th
course! Encouragement, solutions and inspiration guaranteed.

Teaching session 2
2026-08-21 11:30 - 13:00
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.
Adam Swayne

Lunchtime Recital - Overall Prizewinner of the EPTA UK competition
2026-08-21 13:45 - 14:30 | Stoller Hall
Today we welcome Tiantian Gao who was recently been awarded overall winner in the EPTA UK National piano competition.

The Art of Four Hands workshop
2026-08-21 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.
Kathryn Stott and Matthew McLachlan, 2025

Teaching session 3
2026-08-21 14:45 - 17:00
The final session for individual lessons. Teachers on all courses will be working throughout the school.

Junior Course 'drop in' performance class
2026-08-21 15:30 - 16:15 | G06
The final performance class on part two of the course. A wonderful opportunity to perform on a beautiful grand piano, provided by Forsyth Music Shop.

'Drop in' performance class
2026-08-21 16:15 - 17:00 | G06
On the final day, join us for an informal performance session where pianists can play, listen, and reflect together, guided by a faculty host.

Participant recitals
2026-08-21 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.

Pavel Nersessian Recital
2026-08-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Stoller Hall
We are delighted to welcome Pavel Nersessian to the Stoller Hall and the summer school. “His performance brought a veritable roar of approval from the audience,” wrote the Irish Times, after Pavel Nersessian received the 1st Prize in the GPA Dublin International Piano Competition in 1991. Being one of the most remarkable pianists of his generation in Russia, he is known for his ability to play equally convincingly in the whole palette of the piano repertoire. He won prizes in the Beethoven Competition in Vienna in 1985, the Paloma O’Shea Competition in Santander, and the Tokyo Competition.
For more than 25 years P. Nersessian has been assisting his teacher, professor S. Dorensky. He has worked with such talented pupils as N. Lugansky, D. Matsuev, V. Rudenko, O. Kern, A. Shtarkman, Yu. Stadler, I. Tasovats, F. Amirov, M. Amara, A. Dossin, V. Igoshina, A. Mamriev, V. Korchinskaya-Kogan, S. Simonian, Z. Chochieva, G. Chaidze, N. Pisareva, A. Sychev, F. Kopachevsky, P. Kolesnikov, A. Tarasevich-Nikolaev, L. Bernsdorf, P. Elisha, A. Malofeev, A, Kliuchko and many others.
Pavel Nersessian served as a jury member in many international piano competitions: Dublin, Hamamatsu, Sendai, Maria Canals in Barcelona, Hilton Head, Almaty, Valencia, Tbilisi and other competitions.
In 2013 he started to work as a professor of piano in Boston university, in 2022 as a professor of piano in New England Conservatory.
Mendelssohn 6 Songs without words op. 67
Faure Valse-caprice No. 2 op. 38
Barcarolle op. 41
Two excerpts from Pelleas and Melisande op. 80: Sicilienne (arr.by the author), La Fileuse (arr. by A. Cortot)
Ravel Gaspard de la nuit
Ondine Le Gibet Scarbo

Peter Donohoe Recital
2026-08-21 20:30 - 21:30 | Stoller Hall
“Peter Donohoe played as if visited by the spirit of Rachmaninov.” The Guardian
“I cannot imagine a living pianist capable of improving upon Donohoe’s outstanding artistry.” Robert Matthew-Walker, Musical Opinion
We are delighted to welcome back Peter Donohoe, former Chetham’s student and a much loved regular on the faculty of the summer school
Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor BWV 1004
Webern Variations Op 27
Schubert Sonata in A major D664
Allegro moderato Andante Allegro
Bach-Busoni Prelude and Fugue in Eb Major (‘St Anne’) BWV 552

© Martin Lijinsky
