SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 6 & 7 MARCH 2027
CLOSING DATE: 31 JANUARY 2027
Performing Arts Centre, Redmaids’ High School, Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3AW
PIANO SECTION INFORMATION
GRAHAM FITCH
Graham Fitch, based in London, maintains an international career not only as a pianist, but also as a teacher, adjudicator, and writer. His workshops and classes, which he has given all over the world, have received high praise for their creative and illuminating approach to the subject. First Prizewinner in the Mieczyslaw Munz Piano Competition, he graduated with honours from the Royal College of Music in London as Hopkinson Gold Medallist. His teachers at the RCM included Stephen Savage, Peter Wallfisch and Roger Vignoles. A Fulbright Scholarship then took him to the United States, where he completed his studies with Ann Schein and Nina Svetlanova, as well as participating in weekly classes with Leon Fleisher. Other teachers for postgraduate studies include Julian Martin and Peter Feuchtwanger.
During much of the 1990s, Graham Fitch’s career straddled the Atlantic with solo and chamber performances in England (where he taught piano at the Purcell School, St. Paul’s Girls’ School, and the Centre for Young Musicians) and in Europe and North America. The New York Times spoke of his playing as “unalloyed pleasure”. In the UK he was recitalist at the Bournemouth Festival, and appeared in repeated engagements with the London Chamber Soloists on London’s South Bank. US activities included concerts with his trio, the Trio dell’Arte, various solo appearances (including a performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations in Merkin Hall during the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death) and a performance of Bartok’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion with Jonathan Haas.
From 1997 to 2008, Graham Fitch was Head of Keyboard at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town, from where he travelled to Australia, New Zealand and the USA to perform and teach. Graham gave recitals, masterclasses and keynote addresses at four successive Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conferences across Australia from 1999 to 2005. He was in residence at the Royal Academy of Music in London in 2006, giving a masterclass, directing a performance class and teaching the Head of Piano’s studio.
Graham is a guest tutor for the Piano Teachers’ Course UK, Britain’s flagship training programme for piano teachers. He is also a tutor at the Summer School for Pianists in Stowe and gives regular courses for pianists and teachers in London, Finchcocks, and in Blonay, Switzerland. Graham is a regular contributor to Pianist Magazine, with articles on technique, style, practicing and performance as well as producing an ongoing series of video demonstrations on YouTube. Graham was commissioned by Trinity College London to write the teaching notes for a series of graded piano pieces, Raise the Bar as well as for the advanced grades for the new syllabus. He has also done consulting work for the ABRSM on the 2021 piano syllabus (advanced grades), and is presently co-authoring two chapters for Oxford University Press (Handbook of Piano Pedagogy).
Graham teaches privately in South West London and online, and counts among his students professional pianists, piano teachers, adult amateurs as well as youngsters. Schedule permitting, Graham’s philosophy is to be available to anyone who wishes to study with him who is serious about developing their piano playing.
MARK TANNER
PhD, HonRBC, MA, FTCL, FRSA, MMC
Mark Tanner is a concert pianist, composer, adjudicator, teacher and writer. His performing and academic work takes him regularly to all five continents. Solo appearances include recitals at London’s Wigmore Hall, South Bank Centre and St John’s Smith Square. He has given over 300 recitals at sea for Cunard, Saga and P&O. Mark’s recordings have featured music by British composers, much of it not previously recorded: 'Magnificent playing' - Gramophone; 'Delivered with flair and spontaneity' - The Scotsman. He has broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
Mark has published 65 volumes of music for Clifton Edition. His music is also published by Peters Edition, ABRSM and TCL. Fifty of Mark’s compositions and transcriptions have appeared in examination syllabuses. Faber have published six of Mark’s books: The Mindful Pianist, The Advanced Pianist (all also published in Chinese); The Piano in Black and White and Teachers Choice. He has published two books with Leaping Hare Press: Mindfulness in Music and Mindfulness in Sound – 'Mindfulness in Music is both informative and thought-provoking – a fascinating read on many levels' – Julian Lloyd Webber (both also published in Spanish). Mark has written 70 feature-length ‘Masterclass’ articles for Pianist Magazine (the most popular piano magazine in the world) and has published hundreds of articles for International Record Review, Classical Music, Musical Opinion, Piano International, Mensa Magazine and 19th Century Music.
Mark holds a PhD and honorary degree from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and has been a keyboard judge for the BBC Young Musician Competition, as well as Composer in Residence at Chetham’s International Piano Summer School. He is a tutor and trustee at Jackdaws in Somerset. For ABRSM, Mark has undertaken over 50 tours to all five continents, examining grades and diplomas; contributed to syllabuses, is a reviewer and trainer. Mark is a Member of Mensa, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals. In 2025 Mark, undertook a successful book tour of China, presenting at seven cities. A lifelong enthusiast of magic, Mark was recently accepted as a full member of the prestigious Magic Circle.
Graham Fitch, based in London, maintains an international career not only as a pianist, but also as a teacher, adjudicator, and writer. His workshops and classes, which he has given all over the world, have received high praise for their creative and illuminating approach to the subject. First Prizewinner in the Mieczyslaw Munz Piano Competition, he graduated with honours from the Royal College of Music in London as Hopkinson Gold Medallist. His teachers at the RCM included Stephen Savage, Peter Wallfisch and Roger Vignoles. A Fulbright Scholarship then took him to the United States, where he completed his studies with Ann Schein and Nina Svetlanova, as well as participating in weekly classes with Leon Fleisher. Other teachers for postgraduate studies include Julian Martin and Peter Feuchtwanger.
During much of the 1990s, Graham Fitch’s career straddled the Atlantic with solo and chamber performances in England (where he taught piano at the Purcell School, St. Paul’s Girls’ School, and the Centre for Young Musicians) and in Europe and North America. The New York Times spoke of his playing as “unalloyed pleasure”. In the UK he was recitalist at the Bournemouth Festival, and appeared in repeated engagements with the London Chamber Soloists on London’s South Bank. US activities included concerts with his trio, the Trio dell’Arte, various solo appearances (including a performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations in Merkin Hall during the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death) and a performance of Bartok’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion with Jonathan Haas.
From 1997 to 2008, Graham Fitch was Head of Keyboard at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town, from where he travelled to Australia, New Zealand and the USA to perform and teach. Graham gave recitals, masterclasses and keynote addresses at four successive Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conferences across Australia from 1999 to 2005. He was in residence at the Royal Academy of Music in London in 2006, giving a masterclass, directing a performance class and teaching the Head of Piano’s studio.
Graham is a guest tutor for the Piano Teachers’ Course UK, Britain’s flagship training programme for piano teachers. He is also a tutor at the Summer School for Pianists in Stowe and gives regular courses for pianists and teachers in London, Finchcocks, and in Blonay, Switzerland. Graham is a regular contributor to Pianist Magazine, with articles on technique, style, practicing and performance as well as producing an ongoing series of video demonstrations on YouTube. Graham was commissioned by Trinity College London to write the teaching notes for a series of graded piano pieces, Raise the Bar as well as for the advanced grades for the new syllabus. He has also done consulting work for the ABRSM on the 2021 piano syllabus (advanced grades), and is presently co-authoring two chapters for Oxford University Press (Handbook of Piano Pedagogy).
Graham teaches privately in South West London and online, and counts among his students professional pianists, piano teachers, adult amateurs as well as youngsters. Schedule permitting, Graham’s philosophy is to be available to anyone who wishes to study with him who is serious about developing their piano playing.
MARK TANNER
PhD, HonRBC, MA, FTCL, FRSA, MMC
Mark Tanner is a concert pianist, composer, adjudicator, teacher and writer. His performing and academic work takes him regularly to all five continents. Solo appearances include recitals at London’s Wigmore Hall, South Bank Centre and St John’s Smith Square. He has given over 300 recitals at sea for Cunard, Saga and P&O. Mark’s recordings have featured music by British composers, much of it not previously recorded: 'Magnificent playing' - Gramophone; 'Delivered with flair and spontaneity' - The Scotsman. He has broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
Mark has published 65 volumes of music for Clifton Edition. His music is also published by Peters Edition, ABRSM and TCL. Fifty of Mark’s compositions and transcriptions have appeared in examination syllabuses. Faber have published six of Mark’s books: The Mindful Pianist, The Advanced Pianist (all also published in Chinese); The Piano in Black and White and Teachers Choice. He has published two books with Leaping Hare Press: Mindfulness in Music and Mindfulness in Sound – 'Mindfulness in Music is both informative and thought-provoking – a fascinating read on many levels' – Julian Lloyd Webber (both also published in Spanish). Mark has written 70 feature-length ‘Masterclass’ articles for Pianist Magazine (the most popular piano magazine in the world) and has published hundreds of articles for International Record Review, Classical Music, Musical Opinion, Piano International, Mensa Magazine and 19th Century Music.
Mark holds a PhD and honorary degree from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and has been a keyboard judge for the BBC Young Musician Competition, as well as Composer in Residence at Chetham’s International Piano Summer School. He is a tutor and trustee at Jackdaws in Somerset. For ABRSM, Mark has undertaken over 50 tours to all five continents, examining grades and diplomas; contributed to syllabuses, is a reviewer and trainer. Mark is a Member of Mensa, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals. In 2025 Mark, undertook a successful book tour of China, presenting at seven cities. A lifelong enthusiast of magic, Mark was recently accepted as a full member of the prestigious Magic Circle.
- Teachers, parents and performers are advised to read the Festival Rules and the following Piano Rules carefully.
- Age of performers is as on 1 March of the Festival Year. Adults are those who are 18 years or over on or before 1 March of the Festival Year.
- In all classes, a copy of the music must be provided for the Adjudicator before performing. Performers may use a copy or purchased copy for performance, but a purchased copy must be available at the time of playing.
- Only one piece to be performed unless playing in the Repertoire class or where otherwise indicated.
- Time limits must be strictly adhered to.
- The title and composer of items to be performed should be submitted at the time of entry. Please include the movement, key and opus number where relevant. Pieces must be stated on the online entry form before the closing date. The timetable will be published in mid-February.
- Substitution of duet or ensemble partners is only allowed at the discretion of the Piano Section Secretary.
- Own choice classes are designed to include players of different standards. It is important to understand that each performance is judged primarily on the quality of playing regardless of the grade of the piece. Performers playing at a much higher standard than their age group may consider entering classes above their age group. This may be necessary in order to remain within the time limit of the class.
- Performers may not enter more than one class of the same type in different age groups. For example, a performer may play in either Repertoire class 13 years and under or Repertoire class 15 years and under, but not both. This does not apply to the Grade classes.
- In the event of a class having a large number of performers, the Piano Section Committee may decide to split the class into two. Performers will be allocated a section at random. Two different trophies may then be awarded.
- No performer may perform any piece more than once during the Festival.
1. How do I make an online entry?
Click ‘enter online’ above. Create an account with your details. Then add each player’s details by pressing ‘Create a New Individual’ pink box. When you have added all your players you can then enter them into classes. Click on the green ‘Enter’ button. Find the relevant class and click ‘Add to Basket.’ You will then need to give permission, or not, for the official photographer, and enter the details of the piece to be played and composer. You can then press the green ‘Add to Basket’ button. You can continue to enter all players in this way. You will need to add the ages of the performers when prompted if you are entering a class with an age restriction. When you have everything you need in the basket, you can then click ‘Checkout’ and pay the fee.
2. How do I enter a duet or ensemble in the Festival?
You will need to click on the pink box ‘Create A New Group With People’. From there you can select a performer by clicking on their name and then the arrow facing right. You can also remove a performer by clicking the arrow facing left. When all the performers are in the right hand box called ‘Members of Ensemble’, you can click Save. Then you will be able to enter the group into a class in the normal way.
3. When will I be notified of the day and time of my class(es)?
The programme will be created after all the entries are in, and entrants will be informed of their class times shortly after.
4. Will there be parking?
There is plenty of parking on the Redmaids school site and surrounding roads.
5. Will there be any food at the Festival?
Yes, there will be snacks and drinks available to purchase. There will be a dining room where you can eat your own food and drink too.
6. Can I bring anyone with me?
We strongly encourage you to bring as many friends and relations as possible. A friendly audience is as important as the performers. You can listen to as many classes as you like.
7. What is the entry cost for the audience?
For a 1-DAY PASS: An adult ticket is £3 (concessions £2), child £2, and family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £8. For a 2-DAY PASS: An adult ticket is £5 (concessions £3), child £3, and family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £12. There is a small charge for programmes. You can pay by cash or card.
8. Is there a practice room?
Unfortunately we do not have a room to warm up in. There is a quiet room which you are welcome to use. To make it fair, no one gets to play before their class, but you may play a few notes and try the pedals before you start.
9. Is a page turner available?
No, but if you can't bring a friend to do this, you can ask another player or one of the stewards to help you.
10. Will footstools be provided?
We don’t provide footstools or pedal extenders, but feel free to bring your own.
11. What happens if I am late?
If you are arrive late and the class is still in progress, you can play at the end of the class and will still receive an adjudication and certificate.
Click ‘enter online’ above. Create an account with your details. Then add each player’s details by pressing ‘Create a New Individual’ pink box. When you have added all your players you can then enter them into classes. Click on the green ‘Enter’ button. Find the relevant class and click ‘Add to Basket.’ You will then need to give permission, or not, for the official photographer, and enter the details of the piece to be played and composer. You can then press the green ‘Add to Basket’ button. You can continue to enter all players in this way. You will need to add the ages of the performers when prompted if you are entering a class with an age restriction. When you have everything you need in the basket, you can then click ‘Checkout’ and pay the fee.
2. How do I enter a duet or ensemble in the Festival?
You will need to click on the pink box ‘Create A New Group With People’. From there you can select a performer by clicking on their name and then the arrow facing right. You can also remove a performer by clicking the arrow facing left. When all the performers are in the right hand box called ‘Members of Ensemble’, you can click Save. Then you will be able to enter the group into a class in the normal way.
3. When will I be notified of the day and time of my class(es)?
The programme will be created after all the entries are in, and entrants will be informed of their class times shortly after.
4. Will there be parking?
There is plenty of parking on the Redmaids school site and surrounding roads.
5. Will there be any food at the Festival?
Yes, there will be snacks and drinks available to purchase. There will be a dining room where you can eat your own food and drink too.
6. Can I bring anyone with me?
We strongly encourage you to bring as many friends and relations as possible. A friendly audience is as important as the performers. You can listen to as many classes as you like.
7. What is the entry cost for the audience?
For a 1-DAY PASS: An adult ticket is £3 (concessions £2), child £2, and family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £8. For a 2-DAY PASS: An adult ticket is £5 (concessions £3), child £3, and family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £12. There is a small charge for programmes. You can pay by cash or card.
8. Is there a practice room?
Unfortunately we do not have a room to warm up in. There is a quiet room which you are welcome to use. To make it fair, no one gets to play before their class, but you may play a few notes and try the pedals before you start.
9. Is a page turner available?
No, but if you can't bring a friend to do this, you can ask another player or one of the stewards to help you.
10. Will footstools be provided?
We don’t provide footstools or pedal extenders, but feel free to bring your own.
11. What happens if I am late?
If you are arrive late and the class is still in progress, you can play at the end of the class and will still receive an adjudication and certificate.