One of the premier piano festivals in the US, Pianofest in the Hamptons announces its 2019 season concerts in Southampton, East Hampton, and Westhampton.

Pianofest is a summer festival-school that offers exceptionally concentrated study to a small group of pianists selected by audition. Weekly evening concerts featuring these emerging artists occur at different venues in the Hamptons, June to August.

Founded by Paul Schenly, Pianofest began as a creative vision—a community of pianists and piano-lovers surrounded by nature's wonder of the East End. 

Each concert features curated, world-class piano music performed by exceptional emerging talent and an opportunity to meet-and-mingle with Hamptons' society during post-concert receptions. Pianofest’s director Paul Schenly provides musical commentary from the stage.

In addition to the Southampton Cultural Center, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and Avram Theater, Pianofest expands this year to include two additional concerts at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.

All tickets are $20 per person (students free) at the door only for Southampton and East Hampton concerts. Tickets are $23 at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. No reservations needed. All concerts are followed by receptions to meet the artists and mingle with Hamptons' society.

Southampton Concerts

Levitas Center for the Arts
Southampton Cultural Center
25 Pond Lane

• Monday, June 24, 5 PM (Season Opening)

Avram Theater, Southampton
239 Montauk Highway

All concerts begin at 5 PM.

• Monday, July 1

• Monday, July 8

• Monday, July 15

• Monday, July 22

• Monday, July 29

• Monday, August 5

• Monday, August 12

East Hampton Concerts

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
18 James Lane, East Hampton

All concerts begin at 6 PM.

• Wednesday, June 26

• Wednesday, July 10

• Wednesday, July 24

• Wednesday, August 7

Westhampton Concerts

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center

76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach

All concerts begin at 7 PM.

• Thursday, June 27

• Thursday, August 8

Teaching and live-streaming

Last summer was the first time Pianofest pursued live-streaming and reached nearly 10,000 views in total. With the help of Artist-in-Residence Konstantin Soukhovetski, Pianofest streamed the Monday night concerts in Southampton throughout the entire season. The organization looks forward to pursuing more live-streaming this coming summer. Details will be announced on Pianofest’s Facebook page.

The teaching at Pianofest stresses an ethic based on support rather than competition. In addition to emphasizing the solo repertoire, students accompany each other in concertos and explore the duo piano literature. Pianofest also offers an opportunity for pianists to nurture their own friendships, performance opportunities, and contacts with the residents of the community. The Hamptons attract visitors from around the world, while local residents include renowned authors, artists and musicians. Practice sessions and master classes take place in a classic Hamptons’ manse where eight grand pianos are actively used – including one in the kitchen!

Nearly 500 pianists have passed through the festival-school within its 31-year history including Deutsche Grammophon recording artist Sergei Babayan and sensational Steinway Artists Anderson & Roe Piano Duo.

Learn more at pianofest.com.