AUGUST 3-13, 2026
Reykjavík Pianofest
OUR SPIRIT
Reykjavík Piano Festival is a masterclass and self-growth program geared towards inspired and dedicated students. We welcome university (undergraduate and graduate), professional and amateur adults, and pre-college/teenage students. The idea for Reykjavik Piano Festival grew from our sister festival, Westfjords Piano Festival, which continues to present world-class recitals in the Westfjords region of Iceland annually.
Reykjavík Piano Festival offers each accepted participant an inspiring and personal week of musical and personal growth:
- Private lessons with artist faculty (4-5 lessons over the course of the festival)
- Masterclasses
- Concert opportunities (including our final concert at Harpa Concert Hall)
- Mentorship and community
- Practice availability (at least 4 hours per day)
- Inspired workshops from artist faculty
- Hiking and nature excursions
- Yoga and meditation classes
- Social activities and workouts
Artist Faculty
Antoinette Perry
Professor at USC Thornton School of Music, Los Angeles
Artist-faculty Emeritus at the Aspen Music Festival and School
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Carl Zhang
Canadian Concert and Collaborative Pianist based in Vienna, Master's degrees from MdW (Vienna), HEM Geneva, and University of Montreal
Audrey Axinn
Professor at The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes School of Music, New York City
Andrew J. Yang
Professor at Tónskóli Sigursveins and Tónskólinn í Reykjavík, Artistic Director
Reykjavík International Piano Festival, taking place August 3-13, 2026, emphasizes both musical excellence and personal growth. Over the course of the week, our four distinguished international professors will lead daily lessons, workshops, and discussions for young pianists and emerging talents. Participants will gain invaluable experience performing in public concerts at Harpa, sharing their artistry with local and international audiences in one of the world’s most prestigious concert venues.
The program goes beyond technical mastery: students will engage in group and personal development activities such as yoga, guided nature walks, and friendly football matches. They will also have the chance to experience the local cuisine. From fresh caught fish to old rotten shark, it is sure to be a unique and enriching experience. These activities foster creativity, resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of community, reflecting the festival’s commitment to nurturing the whole musician.
By combining expert mentorship, public performance opportunities, and holistic development, Reykjavík Pianofest offers a unique experience where artistry and humanity meet. For detailed information:
APPLICATION AND SELECTION
There is limited space for participants in order to ensure a personalized festival experience. Applicants are primarly selected by the artist faculty based on the application form which will ask for the following:
1) Audition videos (2-3 videos of contrasting works). Professional recording is unnecessary, but try to aim for the best audio quality as possible.
2) CV/resume
3) List of works that are performance-ready for concerts and masterclasses, and list of works to work on in private lessons.
The Festival only accepts a maximum of 25 students, with the possibility of a waitlist. A certain amount of spaces are reserved for students who are Icelandic residents.