Some of the world's leading pianists make their way to Derry this July as the Walled City Music International Academy welcomes talented young musicians from across the globe for an intensive week of performance, learning and artistic collaboration.
Taking place from 10–17 July across the Ulster University Derry~Londonderry campus, the Academy offers participants a unique programme of individual lessons, masterclasses, performance opportunities and professional development led by an internationally renowned faculty.
Founded and directed by acclaimed Derry pianist Cathal Breslin, this year's faculty features an exceptional line-up of internationally celebrated musicians including Barry Douglas, Kathryn Stott, Thérèse Fahy, Svetozar Ivanov, Ksenia Nosikova and Chi Wu. Throughout the week, students will work closely with these distinguished artists while also taking part in outreach performances at community venues across the city, bringing live music to new audiences beyond the concert hall.
Alongside the Academy's educational programme, audiences are invited to experience the artistry of its internationally acclaimed faculty and rising young pianists through three public concerts in the Great Hall at Ulster University.
The concert series opens on Friday 10 July with The Piano Illuminated, a dazzling exploration of the piano's limitless colours, from the elegance of Bach and Handel to the shimmering sound worlds of Debussy, Scriabin and Ravel, performed by members of the Academy's distinguished international faculty.
On Wednesday 15 July, The Piano Multiplied celebrates the joy of piano ensemble playing, featuring imaginative and exhilarating performances for piano four hands and six hands that showcase the collaboration, virtuosity and shared artistry of the Academy faculty.
The Academy culminates on Friday 17 July with The Next Generation – International Competition Final, where the Academy's most outstanding young pianists compete before an international jury in a thrilling showcase of virtuosity, artistry and musical imagination.
Whether discovering internationally acclaimed performers for the first time or supporting the next generation of concert pianists, these concerts offer audiences a rare opportunity to experience world-class music-making in the heart of Derry.
The Walled City Music International Academy is delivered in partnership with Ulster University and is funded by Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Derry City & Strabane District Council. The Academy is also proudly supported by Yamaha, whose continued support helps make this international programme possible.
Public Concerts
Friday 10 July – The Piano Illuminated Great Hall, Ulster University | £10/£5
A dazzling opening concert featuring internationally renowned faculty members in a programme spanning Baroque masterpieces to Impressionist brilliance.
Wednesday 15 July – The Piano Multiplied Great Hall, Ulster University | £10/£5
An exciting evening of piano ensemble music featuring performances for piano four hands and six hands by the Academy faculty.
Friday 17 July – The Next Generation – International Competition Final Great Hall, Ulster University | £10/£5
Witness the Academy's finest young pianists compete live before an international jury as they perform for the Academy's top prizes.
Tickets are on sale now at www.walledcitymusic.com. Early booking is recommended.
To receive updates on Academy events, concert announcements and ticket releases, audiences are encouraged to join the Walled City Music mailing list and follow Walled City Music across its social media channels.
Walled City Music looks forward to welcoming students, faculty and audiences to Derry this July for another inspiring celebration of music, learning and international collaboration.
