Piano Festival 2026

Welcome from Marios Papadopoulos
Artistic Director

I would like to pay tribute to our Patron Alfred Brendel who sadly passed away in the summer. His legacy as one of the most prolific and revered musical figures the world has ever seen and his dedication to and support of our Piano Festival will endure in our memories forever. We are immensely honoured that Murray Perahia, another legendary musician of equal standing, has accepted to become the Festival’s Patron. 

The programme in this year’s Festival features works in the piano literature that are rich in conveying the power of music and its ability to speak to us all through the instrument. No less than seven internationally renowned pianists, each with a very distinct voice, will be exploring music of various styles and periods. Steven Osborne and Paul Lewis bring music from the First Viennese School in recitals at Christ Church Cathedral and the Sheldonian Theatre respectively, whilst Argentinean pianist Ingrid Fliter returns to the Festival with an all-Chopin programme at the Holywell Music Room.

Richard Goode is a pianist of great distinction and his recital will take us through a journey of musical discovery as he explores the central European repertoire across the centuries. 

Isata Kanneh-Mason and Theodosia Ntokou are a new generation of pianists bringing fresh perspectives and introducing new audiences to classical music, the latter in a performance of Grieg’s iconic concerto with the Oxford Philharmonic in the Sheldonian Theatre.

Another pianist that never fails to rouse strong feelings and passion is Elisabeth Leonskaja, who will unlock the simple yet profound wisdoms of Schubert’s late piano music.

Whilst these extraordinary concerts will provide stimulating and thrilling musical experiences, we must not forget the main focus of our Oxford Piano Festival: nurturing young talent. Such is the international reputation of our Academy Programme that for each available place, we receive 10 applications for a chance to study with some of the world’s most eminent artists and pedagogues in an intensive programme of daily masterclasses, all open to the public. Those attending as participants, will enjoy unique experiences as we impart our knowledge and experience on their inquisitive minds and open new horizons for them. 

I look forward to welcoming pianists, teachers, piano-enthusiasts and the wider public to what I am sure will be another stimulating week of musical discovery.