15-17 February 2018. Tonbridge, Kent
World class teaching. Inspiring location
Kent International Pianoforte Courses
Supported by Steinway & Sons
Proudly present a series of classes, performances, prizes, a masterclass and a finale concert in the historic setting of Tonbridge School over three days during the Lent half-term break. Find out more about KIPC...
2018 Courses Success!
A huge thank you to all the course participants, their families, friends and teachers. This year's courses have been notably happy, with many new friendships established and it has been a joy to work with you all. Please see the Winners page for an exhaustive list of all Prizes and Awards. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!
2018 Celebrity Masterclass announced
Artur Pizarro
Regular KIPC attenders over the years will be delighted to hear that Artur Pizarro has agreed to return to give the celebrity masterclass and recital in 2018. He has been a great supporter of the courses over the years and is flying from Portugal specially for the event, which is not to be missed.
Artur is one of the finest pianists of our time, winning the Leeds Piano Competition in 1990 and now performing internationally in recital, chamber music and with the world's leading orchestras and conductors. His performances are frequently broadcast, as are his many recordings.
Artur is an active chamber musician and has performed at chamber music festivals throughout the world. He has recorded extensively for Collins Classics, Hyperion Records, Linn Records, Brilliant Classics, Klara, Naxos, Danacord, Odradek Records and Phoenix Edition.
Artur has received various awards from his native Portugal for services to classical music and culture from a range of organisations including the Portuguese Government. He is currently teaching piano and chamber music at the Academia Nacional Superior de Orquestra in Lisbon.
Ji Liu returns
Remarkable internationally acclaimed pianist, recordings artist and star of Classic FM Ji Liu will be joining KIPC again as Guest Tutor on Friday 16th February. Ji has made several highly respected recordings, has won many international competitions, and says he would be delighted to share his thoughts on performing with us. He has again offered a small recital- an opportunity we certainly could not refuse!
2017 Concerto Prize
Keelan Carew to perform with Southampton Concert Orchestra, 3 Feb. 2018, 7:30pm, Turner Sims Hall, Southampton
Our hugely popular Concerto Prize winner, Keelan Carew will be playing the Rachmaninoff Paganini Variations in a concert conducted by Craig Lawton. Please save the date for what will undoubtedly be a great event.
KIPC 2017 success
Congratulations to all who took part in KIPC 2017. There were new faces amongst the returning participants, which was exciting for us tutors and for the future.
The Courses ended as usual with the final concert and awards, in the presence of the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent and Mayors of Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. Congratulations go in particular to Keelan Carew, winner of the Concerto Prize and Bradbourne House Recital, Michael Lan, winner of the Steinway Hall Recital Prize and Timon Staehler, winner of the Thomas Prize. Please see the Winners page for a complete list of prizes and check back here later in the year for concert dates.
Why attend?
If you are a keen pianist of any standard wishing to share learning, informal and formal performances, small group classes and a festival, then you will enjoy the courses.
If you are a conservatoire student there are opportunities to win recital and concerto prizes, as well as take part in masterclasses with leading pianists.
After more than 25 successful years, most participants return the next year; the youngest enjoy the fun of the occasion; the most experienced the skilled tuition, the expert masterclasses and the further opportunities offered.
Prizes
Class prizes
Concerto Prizes including an orchestral engagement
Recital Prizes including recital engagements
Courses
Our courses cater for any age and are offered in these categories:
Intermediate for pianists ABRSM grades 1 to 5
Senior for grades 6 to 8
Advanced for those beyond Grade 8
2017 Celebrity Masterclass
Melvyn Tan
We were delighted to welcome Melvyn Tan to the third day of the Courses in 2017. Melvyn uniquely combines tremendous insight into the development of the instrument and a detailed knowledge of the nuances of each work he performs with an ability to demonstrate rare tonal contrasts and exciting interpretations at the piano.
An internationally respected performer for many years, regularly broadcast and on the major concert platforms here and abroad, he also works excellently with other pianists to develop their understanding and interpretations.
He gave a brilliant and thought-provoking masterclass and recital.
Steinway Hall Recital, Jinah Shim
Sunday 15th January 2017, 3pm
Steinway & Sons supported the 2016 KIPC Courses by offering this prize to perform at Steinway Hall. Jinah Shim performed works by Mozart, Schubert, Chopin and Liszt. There was an opportunity to meet some of the organisers and participants and to hear more about the courses.