Oxford Piano Festival 2026: Preview Pt. 1

The Oxford Piano Festival is back for its 27^th year. As always, established and respected pianists are arriving from all over the world to deliver mesmerising recitals and expert masterclasses for observers and participants.

We’re looking forward to seeing many of you across Sheldonian Theatre, the Holywell Music Room, Christ Church Cathedral and more. The 25th of July is by no means far away! So, over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing a three-part preview of what to expect from this year’s Oxford Piano Festival.

The festival opens with a masterclass from Alon Goldstein, a favourite with audiences and critics, with performances in the US and Europe. One of the most original and sensitive artists of his generation, with a passion for music education, he’ll provide an exciting first session for this year’s festival.

Our first recital of the year takes us to Christ Church Cathedral. The celebrated Scottish musician Steven Osborne showcases two masterpieces of the Viennese school, Schubert’s Sonata No. 21 and Beethoven’s 33 Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli. Bright and early the next morning, day two begins with Osborne delivering a masterclass to a selection of participants.

On days two and three are two masterclasses with Kathryn Stott, whose career has been universally recognised for her versatile repertoire, including a long-term collaboration with American cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Since 2025, Stott has been focused purely on education and artist development, and it’s a joy to welcome her back.

Day two ends with an all-Chopin programme from Ingrid Fliter in the Holywell Music Room. The Argentinian performs a selection of Mazurkas and Nocturnes, as well as Sonata No. 3. One of a handful of artists to win the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award, she brings this talent, on day three, to another morning masterclass.

Day three rounds out with our third recital. Paul Lewis takes to the Sheldonian for a programme of Mozart, Debussy and Poulenc. Lewis is one of the world’s foremost interpreters of the central European classical repertoire, something that will no doubt be prevalent in a concert programme of grace, intensity, wit and sensuality.

You can book tickets for individual events here, or perhaps consider an Observer Pass here.

Photos by Nicholas Posner