January 23, 2026
About the Author: Arwen
The new year always sparks excitement – new opportunities, new ambitions, and new goals.
For London piano lovers, few things are more thrilling than what the city has to offer.
From solo recitals to orchestral concerts, London’s 2026 piano events promise to be vibrant and inspiring.
Whether you are visiting the city for another reason or planning a music-focused trip, make sure to include some of these experiences.
They will not only be culturally enriching but also refresh your soul.
With so many concerts and festivals happening throughout the year, it can be overwhelming to choose which to attend.
This article highlights key events, as well as other major and smaller piano experiences, to keep you informed for the year ahead.
Major Piano Festivals in London 2026
BBC Proms
Date: July – September (TBC)
Website: bbc.co.uk
The BBC Proms is one of the world’s greatest classical music festivals, held every summer at the Royal Albert Hall. “Proms” is short for promenade concerts – informal performances where attendees can stand and enjoy music in a relaxed setting. Founded by Robert Newman to make serious music accessible, the festival now combines world-class performances with low-cost tickets.
Piano performances are a central feature of the Proms. Check their website regularly to secure tickets for extraordinary piano concertos and recitals.
Wigmore Hall 125th Anniversary Festival
Date: 25 May – 7 June
Website: wigmore-hall.org.uk
A significant event in the classical world, this festival features spectacular piano performances from international pianists and artists such as Mao Fujita, Kirill Gerstein, Angela Hewitt, Imogen Cooper, and many more. Across 24 concerts in its renowned acoustic hall, audiences can enjoy an intimate yet world-class piano experience.
London Overseas Musicians League (LOML) International Piano Festival
Date: 8 August – 13 August
Website: loml.org.uk
This festival brings together pianists from around the world for an immersive week of masterclasses, coaching, performance opportunities, and a prestigious competition recognised by the Alink-Argerich Foundation.
Participants can study with an international faculty of esteemed piano professors and take part in solo and ensemble sessions, refining both technique and artistry.
LOML International Piano festival has some competition rounds that are free entry, so keep an eye out on their website and some concerts will be live-streamed so that you can watch it online.
Royal College of Music (RCM) Keyboard Festival
Date: 22 February
Website: rcm.ac.uk
RCM celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026 for the past two decades of the festival, featuring performances on piano, organ and early keyboard instruments.
It is unique for its “relay-style” performances of major works and its use of diverse instruments.
This event will also be live-streamed on social media showcasing the festival’s unique approach to keyboard music among other things.
Notable Piano Concerts
Strand International Piano Series
Date: Throughout the year
Website: stmarylestrand.com
A series of piano performances held in the candlelit setting of St Mary le Strand Church in London.
This year is the fourth season and celebrates Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 24 Preludes.
The series runs throughout the year and features acclaimed international and British pianists.
Anyone with an interest in seeing rare historical copies to cutting-edge Steinway Spirio pianos should definitely add this to their list.
Philharmonia Orchestra Piano Performances
Date: February – August* (TBC)
Website: philharmonia.co.uk
Experience the Philharmonia Orchestra’s 80th anniversary London season at the Southbank Centre, featuring a rich lineup of piano performances integrated into its orchestral programme.
Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson is featured this season, performing works including Beethoven and premieres such as John Adams’s piano concerto.
Other top artists are invited to perform, offering something inspiring for piano and classical music lovers alike.
Beethoven by Candlelight
Date: 26 February 2026
Website: stmarylestrand.com
Enjoy an intimate evening of Beethoven piano in the candlelit splendour of St Mary le Strand Church.
This atmospheric recital, presented by CityMusic Promotions, showcases iconic works in one of London’s most historic Baroque venues – ideal for lovers of classical piano.
Key London Venues for Piano Music
Of course, there are too many other piano concerts and festivals happening in 2026 to list them all.
Here are some of the top concert halls where you’ll be able to find even more piano performances without a doubt.
Keep a look out on their website and social media to stay informed regarding more piano events.
Wigmore Hall
Wigmore Hall remains one of the city’s most important destinations for piano music, internationally renowned for its acoustics and its focus on solo and chamber repertoire.
Since opening in 1901, it has hosted generations of leading pianists and continues to champion both established artists and emerging talent in a refined, close-listening environment.
Royal Festival Hall
On the South Bank, the Royal Festival Hall provides a contrasting experience, serving as a major stage for orchestral piano concertos and high-profile recitals.
Its spacious setting makes it ideal for large audiences and grand repertoire performed in collaboration with London’s leading orchestras.
Queen Elizabeth Hall & Purcell Room
Nearby Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room offer platforms for modern, experimental, and contemporary piano works, as well as chamber performances that explore new musical ideas and formats.
Historic Churches and Smaller Venues
Beyond these major concert halls, London’s historic churches and smaller venues play an important role in the city’s piano culture.
Spaces such as St Martin-in-the-Fields and St Mary le Strand regularly host candlelit concerts, lunchtime recitals, and solo performances, creating intimate and atmospheric settings that bring audiences closer to the music.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you have a clearer idea of which festivals and concerts you’d like to experience this year.
Whether you play the piano yourself or simply love listening, make 2026 your year by doing something just for you – whether that’s going all out at a grand festival like the BBC Proms, or taking it one step at a time by enjoying an intimate piano recital in a candlelit church.
Whatever you choose, take heart: London awaits, ready to fill your year with unforgettable music.
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