The upcoming Piano Trail Festival 2024, taking place from 31 August to 21 September, promises a dynamic celebration of music, community, and creativity in Leeds. Organised by the Leeds International Piano Competition, this year’s festival will feature a wide variety of events designed to promote wellbeing and the transformative power of music.
From captivating performances by some of Britain’s top musicians to free piano lessons and art installations, the Piano Trail Festival is set to be an unmissable cultural event.
A diverse programme promoting wellbeing
The Piano Trail Festival’s extensive programme is divided into four key themes: Connect, Listen, Learn, and Breathe. Each theme underscores how music can enhance wellbeing and foster community connections.
Connect events include lively open mic sessions, jazz performances at Headrow House, and interactive family sing-alongs. These activities highlight the power of music to bring people together. Parent and baby sessions also form part of this strand, offering a chance for families to bond through music.
The Breathe strand is designed to help attendees relax and unwind. Events include immersive soundscapes created by Festival Composer in Residence Ben Gaunt, peaceful walks along the Piano Trail, and Lazy Sunday Afternoons presented by Brudenell Piano Sessions. These events encourage participants to slow down and enjoy the calming effects of music and nature.
The Pianodrome: a unique venue for extraordinary performances
A highlight of the festival is the Pianodrome, a 150-seat amphitheatre made entirely from upcycled pianos. This innovative structure will be the main venue for many of the festival’s Listen events. Located in Leeds City Museum’s Brodrick Hall, the Pianodrome offers a unique setting for a series of lunchtime concerts, live broadcasts of the Leeds International Piano Competition, and special performances by the band S!nk. Audiences can also look forward to the Leeds Session on 7 September, where the creators of Pianodrome will demonstrate how to play this one-of-a-kind instrument.
Exclusive performances and celebrity appearances
The festival will feature previously announced performances by stars of Channel 4’s hit show The Piano, including a special evening with Lucy Illingworth and Brad Kella on 31 August. For the first time, these two winners will perform together in public, with additional performances from other contestants. The event will be hosted by Classic FM’s weekend breakfast presenter Tim Lihoreau, and exclusive content will be shared on Classic FM’s social channels, which boast a global following of over eight million people.
Another highlight is a performance of I, Clara: Clara Schumann – A Life in Music on 14 September, featuring acclaimed actress Dame Harriet Walter and pianist Lucy Parham. This event will take the audience on a journey through the life of one of classical music’s most influential figures, Clara Schumann.
Learning and participation opportunities
The Learn strand of the festival offers 90 free piano lessons across the Leeds and Bradford Piano Trails. These lessons are open to the public and provide an excellent opportunity for individuals of all ages and skill levels to engage with music. Additionally, Play and Explore sessions in the Pianodrome will allow visitors to interact with the pianos under the guidance of Piano Ambassadors, artists, and volunteers.
The importance of cultural activities for wellbeing
Sally Egan, Head of Creative Learning and Engagement at the Leeds International Piano Competition, emphasises the importance of cultural activities in supporting health and wellbeing. Reflecting on the festival’s mission, she notes,
“Our experience curating the Leeds Piano Trail over the past six years shows us every day what a strong demand there is for cultural activities which support people’s health and wellbeing. This September, the Piano Trail Festival brings together music, art, sculpture, nature, and most importantly, people.”
Full programme details
For a complete listing of events, visit the Leeds International Piano Competition’s website. Highlights include:
- Parent/Carer and Baby Sessions: 3, 10, 17 September
- Jazz Sessions at Headrow House: 4, 11, 18 September
- Family Sing Sessions: 7, 14, 21 September
- Open Mic Sessions: 7, 14, 21 September
- Stars of Channel 4’s The Piano: 31 August
- How to Play a Pianodrome with S!nk: 7 September
- I, Clara with Lucy Parham & Dame Harriet Walter: 14 September
- Lunchtime Sessions: 5, 12, 19 September; 6, 13, 20 September
- Livestream of The Leeds International Piano Competition: 11, 12, 13, 17 September
- Lazy Sunday Afternoons with Brudenell Piano Sessions: 1, 8, 15 September
- Wander Around the Piano Trail: 31 August – 21 September
- Ben Gaunt’s Soundscapes: 12 September; 7, 14, 21 September
- Free Piano Lessons on the Piano Trail: 7, 14, 21 September
- Play & Explore in the Pianodrome: Tuesday – Sunday
About the organisers
The Leeds International Piano Competition has been a pioneering force in the world of classical music since its inception in 1963. Its rich history and global influence continue to inspire the next generation of pianists.
The Pianodrome, established in 2017, has gained international acclaim for its creative use of upcycled pianos. This year marks a significant return to Leeds, where the Pianodrome will once again be a focal point of the Piano Trail Festival.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the official website at leedspiano.com.
