MK Piano Celebration is founded on a vision of providing local amateur players a positive opportunity to perform to a supportive audience, without competition or public adjudication.
This year, the MK Piano Celebration will be held:
- on Saturday 21st November 2026
- at The Chrysalis Theatre, Willen
- with an evening recital featuring concert artist Tim Horton
The full-day event is sponsored by Pianodao and organised by Andrew Eales in conjunction with local piano teachers, with sessions for players of all ages. The full programme for the day, together with ticket links, follows.
Programme
The day comprises the following five events. If you wish to take part in any, please scroll down for full details and booking information.
CHILDREN’S PIANO PARTY • 10.00-11.00
This performance is for children up to Primary School age, and up to Grade 2. Players may perform up to three pieces, including duets, with a total time of no more than 3 minutes.
YOUNG PERFORMERS PLATFORM • 11.30-12.30
This performance is open to any children and young people up to the age of 18, and any playing level. An ideal concert for beginner to intermediate players, and for families with sibling pianists of different ages. Players may perform one or two pieces with a total time up to three minutes.
SENIOR RECITAL • 15.00-16.00
This performance is for any player up to the age of 18 who has reached Grade 5 piano or above. Players may perform one piece, with a total time up to six minutes. For longer pieces, please enquire.
MK ADULT PIANO CLUB • 17.00-18.00
This performance is for adults who attend the MK Adult Piano Club sessions sponsored by Pianodao. Players may perform one piece, with a total time up to five minutes. For longer pieces, please enquire.
EVENING RECITAL
19.00-21.00 featuring Andrew Eales, popular composer Garreth Brooke (below, left), and concert pianist Tim Horton (below, right).
Tickets will cost £16.00 (adults) and £6.00 (children)
Everyone who performs earlier in the day can come FREE.
Tim Horton is one of the UK’s leading pianists, equally at home in solo and chamber repertoire, and is regularly invited to perform at major festivals and series across the country. Tim gave his debut solo recital at Wigmore Hall in 2016, since which time he has appeared there regularly as both soloist and collaborative artist, and where he recently completed his Chopin Cycle. find out more
Garreth Brooke is a British/German musician whose original music has been released on several labels, and has received millions of streams. He has performed live all over Europe, and his compositions have been published by Breitkopf & Härtel, Faber Music, and Editions Musica Ferrum. find our more
Taking part – book your place!
To perform in the Celebration, you will need to book a Performer Pass from TryBooking, using the booking link below.
The cost is £16.00, which includes:
- the opportunity to perform at this unique and supportive event
- admission to all other sections of the day
- FREE daytime attendance for all family and friends!
- FREE admission to the Evening Recital (please note, all children must be accompanied by an adult with their own ticket).
Except for the Evening Recital, adults and children are welcome to attend all other sessions FREE of charge, so performers can encourage all their family and friends to come and support them.
Please note that while the Performer Day Pass includes the Evening Recital, all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout their time at the event. Audience tickets for all adults and children without a Performer Day Pass must be purchased using the links below.
When booking you will need to give your contact details, and provisionally state the music you wish to play, although you will be able to change this up until one week before the event.
Any questions?
Do audience members need tickets?
All attending the Evening Recital will need to show a ticket for admission. This can be either an audience ticket, or a Performer Pass.
While the Theatre has a large capacity, afternoon performers should avoid bringing more than 8 people to prevent overcrowding.
Why ask performers to “pay to play”?
The MK Piano Celebration is a community project, not a profit-making exercise. We need to break even in order to keep going, but would rather encourage performers to bring their whole family en masse without cost being an issue. Our payment structure is fair to all, and designed to encourage audiences for young players.
We also want to encourage as many players as possible to come to our inspiring Evening Recital, which we’ve made free to performers, and we very much hope to see you there!
Do all children (including teens) need to be accompanied by adults?
Yes, absolutely. This is a part of our safeguarding policy, and we expect a responsible adult to accompany every child on site at all times, including at the Evening Recital.
What is the dress code for performers?
Performers should please dress in comfortable, smart-casual clothes.
Will there be refreshments?
Yes, the Theatre bar will be open to purchase drinks. If coming for more than one session, feel free to bring snacks.
Is there plenty of car parking?
The Chrysalis Theatre offers free parking on site, but this cannot be guaranteed for all coming to this event. Additional parking is available at the nearby Peace Pagoda, but charges may apply.
We are excited to see you at the MK Piano Celebration 2026.
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