About
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.
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.
Featuring an exceptional line-up of internationally renowned pianists, the 2026 Walled City Music International Academy Faculty Concerts on Friday 10th July and Wednesday 15th July offer audiences a rare opportunity to hear world-class artists performing side by side in variety concerts. Led by Academy founder and director Cathal Breslin, the faculty includes Barry Douglas, Kathryn Stott, Therese Fahy, Svetozar Ivanov, Ksenia Nosikova and Chi Wu—musicians whose careers have taken them to major concert halls and festivals across the world. The Academy’s faculty concerts and culminating international competition final showcase the remarkable talent that continues to make Derry a destination for international musical excellence.
WCM International Academy: The Piano Illuminated - Opening Concert
Friday 10th July | 7.00pm | The Great Hall, Ulster University Magee
A dazzling exploration of the piano’s limitless colours, from the elegance of Bach and Handel to the shimmering worlds of Debussy, Scriabin and Ravel, performed by an international faculty of distinguished artists.
WCM International Academy: The Piano Multiplied - Piano Ensembles
Wednesday 15th July | 7.00pm | The Great Hall, Ulster University Magee
From intimate musical conversations to exhilarating performances for piano four hands and six hands, the Academy Faculty celebrate the joy of piano ensemble playing in a programme of imagination, virtuosity and shared artistry.
WCM International Academy: The Next Generation - International Competition Final
Friday 17th July | 7.00m | The Great Hall, Ulster University Magee
The spotlight turns to the next generation of piano stars at the Walled City Music International Piano Competition Final. Following a week of outstanding performances, the competition’s most gifted young pianists from across the globe will take to the stage in a showcase of virtuosity, artistry and musical imagination as they compete for prizes before an international jury.
