Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy (PYPA) is set to begin its 7th annual piano festival, set for August 2-11, 2019 at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. This highly-anticipated summer music festival accepts 20 gifted pianists globally to participate in 10 days of master classes and recitals with legendary concert artists and pedagogues, including gold medalists at the Chopin, Cliburn, and Rubinstein competitions.

Mediterranean Impressions

Virtuosic star pianist Ching-Yun Hu will perform at Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts to open the 7th PYPA festival at 7:30 PM Friday, August 2. Ms. Hu will explore the Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz’s Iberia, Books I and II, and Frédéric Chopin's Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58. Hear Chopin’s contemporary, French composer Charles-Valentin Alkan’s Le festin d'Ésope (Aesop's Feast), Op. 39, No. 12. Mediterranean-inspired, this virtuosic program will be as delightful as a warm summer night along the French Riviera or Spain's Costa del Sol.

For The Students

The faculty for the 2019 festival includes six artists who have achieved substantial careers as concert musicians. They include Gary Graffman, legendary pedagogue and former president of Curtis Institute of Music; Dang Thai Son, Gold Medalist of the Chopin Competition; Ching-Yun Hu, the PYPA Artistic Director and celebrated pianist in Asia, as well as top prize recipient at the Rubinstein Competition; Yekwon Sunwoo, Gold Medalist of Cliburn Competition; Lydia Artymiw, Grammy-nominated pianist and Gramophone Award-winner ("Best of the Year", Chandos recording); and Alon Goldstein, pianist with top orchestral engagements from the LA Philharmonic to the Philadelphia Orchestra.

With 10 summertime concerts, 62 hours of master classes, a guest lecture series, and the adjoining Philadelphia International Piano Competition, there is a lot to offer students and the public.

Concerts and Events

In addition to giving master classes, pianist Alon Goldstein, Cliburn gold medalist Yekwon Sunwoo, and Chopin gold medalist Dang Thai Son will give solo recitals throughout the festival. Also, a few months ago the organization announced the addition of pianist Sara Davis Buechner to its roster. The concerts are open to the public.

Learn more online on the PYPA festival website.

Friday, August 2: 7:30 PM

Opening Concert: Ching-Yun Hu Piano Recital

Saturday, August 3: 7:30 PM

Alon Goldstein Piano Recital

Sunday, August 4

• 2019 Philadelphia International Piano Competition, Preliminary Round, 10 AM-3 PM

• Mac McClure Piano Recital, 4 PM

Monday, August 5: 7:30 PM

PYPA Rising Stars: Sarah Tuan Piano Recital; Winner, 2018 Philadelphia International Piano Competition

Tuesday, August 6: 7:30 PM

Young Artists Concert, Part I

Wednesday, August 7

• 2019 Philadelphia International Piano Competition, Final Round (time TBA)

• Yekwon Sunwoo Piano Recital, 7:30 PM

Thursday, August 8: 7:30 PM

Young Artists Concert, Part II

Friday, August 9: 7:30 PM

Sara Davis Buechner Piano Recital

Saturday, August 10

• PYPA Rising Star: Huiping Cai Piano Recital, Winner, 2017 Philadelphia International Piano Competition, 4 PM

• Dang Thai Son Piano Recital, 7:30 PM

Sunday, August 11: 4 PM

Winners’ Concert: 2019 Philadelphia International Piano Competition